#i found out too late to make something bigger UNI'S KEEPING ME SO BUSY :')

[floating-goblin-art]

drew him happy for his birthday :)

[sukirichi]

— there’s always a price to pay when you get your hands on a work of art.

PAIRING: tattoo! artist megumi x reader

REQUEST. tattoo artist au + mutual pining + size kink, praise kink, thigh riding + reader is shorter than megumi and isn’t shy 

WARNINGS: feral megumi, scratching, vaginal sex, size kink, praise kink, mature content, slight overstimulation, sexual tension lol, unedited story

NOTES: ah thank you so much for this request, I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it! Here is my third contribution for FERAL MEGUMI FRIDAYS! and oh wow tattoo artist megumi uh no thoughts head empty

WC: 5.4k+

The tattoo saloon loomed over you, the neon signs almost blinding in the darkness. You could feel your heart pick up its pace in your chest as you hitched your bag up higher, the excitement settling in your toes. Mustering up the brightest smile you could have, you cleared your throat and pushed the door open, the tiny bell on top jingling to signal your arrival.

Your eyes roamed around the walls covered with intricate drawings, the leather seats dark and kept in pristine. Now that was rare – your leather couches always wore out in just a few weeks.

Making your way inside, grip on your sling bag still tight, you bit your lip as you peaked behind the counter. Empty. No one was there, and the nearby opened rooms were empty as well. Scratching your head, you scrunched your nose in confusion. You were sure you got the right place.

With a heavy sigh, you turned to leave, then stopped in your tracks when a dark-haired man exited a door you hadn’t even noticed at first.

He was tall – taller than you; his arms stretched until the sleeves of his black hoodie were pulled down, revealing a sliver of black tattoos that marked his skin. Upon hearing your awed gasp, his cold blue eyes fluttered to yours, the man – who was absolutely handsome despite his frown – froze in his spot.

You waved a hand to him, your smile bigger than ever. “Hi!” So you would be working with this cute guy? Maybe job-hunting wasn’t such a bad experience, after all.

“Hey,” he drawled out hesitantly, approaching you with his ink stained fingers pointed at you. He was still frowning, which was a damn shame, since you were sure he’d look even hotter if he smiled. “So...you’re Y/N.”

“Yeah!”

“And you...” he tilted his head to the side, inquisitive eyes studying your form. You would’ve felt conscious with the way his brows furrowed, eyes unreadable and lips pressed into a thin line, but you were sure you dressed to impress on your first interview. You admitted, however, that maybe wearing a white collared shirt with a pink tennis skirt made you stand out like a sore thumb in the heaviness of the studio. “...want to be a front desk man here?”

“Yeah!”

“What makes you think you’re qualified for this?” he crossed his arms on his chest, and you didn’t miss the slight bite of his voice. So he was handsome – but cranky. Great. “You don’t look like you fit in here.”

“Judging someone’s appearance and inferring that it has any relation to their credentials isn’t such a professional thing to do, you know,” you raised your chin proudly, jutting a pointer finger to his chest. He clearly didn’t expect this because he scowled and took a step back, while you fought the grin that threatened to paint your face. “Would you like it if people told you that you’re not qualified to be a lawyer because of your tattoos and piercings?”

He scoffed, “I don’t want to be a lawyer. As you can see, I’m a tattoo artist. And to answer your question, no, I don’t give a fuck what people think about me.”

“I can tell,” you muttered to yourself before smiling back up at him. He was too easy to read; his brow quivering and lips firm at your faux enthusiasm. “But yes, I do believe I’m qualified! I’m a fast learner and I’m even quick on my feet! I’m really good at talking to people too so I believe I can help schedule client appointments really well and guide them with this whole process.”

“Being front desk man doesn’t mean serving the clients tea and biscuits.”

“I know.”

“You know?” he snorted with a roll of his eyes. He then gestured you to follow him all the way back to the front desk. You expected he’d teach you about how to handle the appointment books or pick up phone calls, but instead he plopped down on the leather couch of the waiting area, his legs crossed on top of the other.

Your eyes followed the patch of pale skin exposed from his ripped jeans before you looked away, not wanting him to see that you found him attractive despite his less than welcoming personality.

“What exactly do you know about this industry?”

“Nothing, to be honest, but I’m not here to be a tattoo artist or anything. I just really need a job and I assure you I’ve got plenty of experience and knowledge when it comes to manning front desks or counters,” you stated confidently, “I know I look out of place, but I really need this job.”

The man only narrowed his eyes at you. Contemplation was written all over his face, probably wondering why you couldn’t just work somewhere else. “Why come here, of all places?”

“Because it’s the only one that has a flexible schedule,” you sighed, “I can’t work shifts anymore because I’m too busy at university. From when I talked to your boss – Geto, was it? – he said that the salon was open 24/7 and I could work until before my classes start. He’s not really strict about that kind of thing.”

“So you mean to tell me,” he leaned forwards, looping his fingers with one another while his ice cold gaze slithered over your desperate ones. “You’ll be at university for half the day, sleep until midnight, and then come here to work and attend class a few hours later? Isn’t your schedule a little irregular?”

“Oh no, it’s not like that! I also have mock classes after uni and it lasts until late at night, then I help clean at the local shelter. They’re running out of volunteers and the dogs are really adorable and take my stress away so...I make sure to come by when I have time.”

“You are one odd creature,” he noted loudly, almost as if he wasn’t completely aware he vocalized his thoughts. Well, at least now you knew he wasn’t the type to think his words over, which either made him more entertaining – or insufferable the longer you worked with him – if you began working anyway. “You could’ve used your spare time to rest. Do you even eat?”

“Yeah, I have a granola bar right now with me! I actually brought two,” you pulled out the snack from your bag, “You want some? I only got the oats, though.”

“Keep it to yourself,” he rolled his eyes, slapping his hands over his knees before rummaging over something behind the counter. “Fine. If Geto said he’s okay with you, then you’re hired.”

“Really, that easy?” your eyes widened, but then you chuckled when this strange man glared at you in response. He sighed as he pulled out a piece of paper, a pen on top of it. The papers read something about application forms and credentials, and you beamed, happily writing your information away with a slight bounce in your toes.

Unable to keep your happiness to yourself, you looked back at the bored man, wiggling your eyebrows playfully. “Huh. I was kind of expecting you would grill me – you’ve got that scary look in your eye. Let me guess, you often scare clients off?”

It seemed he could never get tired of glaring at you, because his eyes fuelled with heat as he leaned against the wall.

You hated to admit that he looked ridiculously handsome like that – the guy wasn’t even doing anything remotely attractive in the first place!

“I’m the most booked artist here, and I ask that you don’t get too comfortable with me. You haven’t even started working here and you’re already riling up on my train,” he groaned when you merely laughed in response. He made quick work of signing something in your form before handing you a key. “Here’s for your locker. Come to work tomorrow. Geto won’t be around for a week so I’ll be the one judging your performance. If you fuck up in the slightest – I won’t hesitate to fire you, you understand? We always have Yuuji coming around anyway, you’re really not that needed for the front desk.”

“Oh,” you nodded at his harshness, unsure whether to feel threatened or amused. “O-okay. I’ll do my best then. I look forward to you – ah, wait, what’s your name?”

“Fushiguro Megumi.”

“Oh, that’s a pretty name,” you muttered to yourself, uttering his name over and over again until it rolled smoothly on your tongue. “Shame you have a shitty attitude along with that handsome face, though.”

“You trying to say something?”

You faced him, about to laugh when he scowled at your not-so-subtle comments. Waving your hands to him, you made your way out the door, your smile only irritating him further. “No, I wasn’t. I’ll be taking my leave then – see you tomorrow!”

Seems like working in a tattoo studio wouldn’t be so bad.

You came to work the next day early and pumped with adrenaline. The idea of meeting the moody tattoo artist caused you to be giggly and happy the whole day, not even feeling the exhaustion of a long day of hard work as you made your way inside the shop.

Clocking in at exactly two in the morning, you proudly tugged your name badge on top of your left breast, patting it for good luck.

The bells jingled, making you look away from your tag. “Good morning – oh, where’s Megumi?” The man standing in front of you was taller than Megumi, his head nearly knocking over the doorframe if it wasn’t for his poor, slouched lanky frame.

He had white hair that brushed atop his cerulean blue eyes, and your eyes widened because wow, he was beautiful.

“Hey, you must be Y/N! Megumi told me you came around yesterday but he didn’t tell me the counter girl was this pretty,” He was in front of you the next second, his nose nearly grazing over yours that had you leaning back into the wall for space. “Hmm...he didn’t tell me that at all.”

“Oh, thank you. You are...?”

“I’m Gojo Satoru, one of the senior artists here. Since Megumi isn’t here yet, let me give you a tour!” Before you could react, Satoru already had an arm wrapped around your shoulder, his other arm waving and pointing to all the hung paintings and labels on each door. You found it odd that he treated you like you were an old friend, but you weren’t going to complain. Nice co-workers were always welcomed.

“Here is the holding area where clients wait to get their session done. This is Geto’s studio and right next to that is his office where he does all the finances and all that jazz, while this is my studio. Cool, isn’t it?”

Your mouth fell ajar as Satoru led you inside his studio, the walls painted the same aquatic shade of his eyes, but what caught your attention was the galaxy themed tattoo designs he made. They came in different shapes – a volcano head, a dragon, a worm, a four-armed monster – but inside them were all galaxies with sparkling and burning stars. You could see everything and nothing all at the same time.

“Whoa, you made all this?!”

Satoru’s chest puffed out proudly, “Yeah, I did. I’m flattered by your reaction, I really am, but you haven’t seen Megumi’s yet. There’s a reason our salon boomed even though he’s only been working here for two years.”

At the mention of his name, your interest was piqued, all ears and curious smiles directed to Satoru. “Oh, can I see Megumi’s studio?”

“You can – if you book an appointment.”

“But I don’t plan on getting any tattoos,” you frowned.

“You’ll never get to see his work then,” he chuckled to himself, the sound growing louder when you visibly deflated. What was the point of getting your hopes up like that then? “Megumi doesn’t like letting others in his studio without permission or an appointment.”

“Why not?”

“He’s just iffy about it,” he shrugged, “Don’t bother trying to decode his personality anymore, Megumi’s very hard to understand. Though if I were to make sense of it...” he rubbed his chin, eyes looking out into the distance. “I guess you could say Megumi’s not the type to be showy when it comes to his work of art. Did that clear it up?”

You blinked back blankly. “No, not really. But it’s fine – I don’t plan on getting to know him anyway.”

That was the biggest lie of your life.

The moment Megumi came around a few minutes later, a loud groan upon your animated greeting over his arrival, your chest bloomed with a different kind of fluttery warmth. He rarely came out after that, clients swarming in to both his and Satoru’s studios, but each faint glimpse of his door cracking open that allowed you to see him focused as he worked, you could no longer deny the heat burning down your legs.

You crushed on the grumpy tattoo artist.

And the more you came around work, greeting him zealously and teasing him to no end that he’d look hotter if he smiled, your crush only intensified for him – completely unaware that he too, couldn’t get his thoughts off of you even with his door closed.

In fact, he kept his door closed all the time because your voice distracted him too much.

“Hey, Y/N, you free?”

You looked up from the textbook you were reviewing, slamming it shut when Satoru’s head peeked out from his studio. He was still wearing gloves with a pen between his fingers, most likely still in the middle of a session.

“Yep! We don’t have appointments yet and I’ve already closed it for non-appointees. Did you need me to get you something?”

“Yeah, could you get Megumi for me? He isn’t picking his phone up and one of our special clients are coming soon. I’m packed right now so I can’t fetch him. I’ll send you the address and you get him, yeah? Just open the counter if you need money for a cab.”

You blinked owlishly at him. On one side, you’d be more than glad to see Megumi again. He hadn’t arrived despite it being four in the morning already, and you were worried, but you also didn’t have his number to ask how he was doing. Progress with Megumi was...slow, to say the least.

He still holed himself up in his studio, coming out only for bathroom breaks, although you noticed a drastic improvement when he finally began to mutter an almost shy “good morning” under his breath for the past few weeks.

It wasn’t much, but you’d have to make do.

“Uhm, when is this client of his coming? Should I run...?”

“Yeah, you need to fucking run. They’re coming in an hour and a half!” Satoru exclaimed, flailing his hands around like a madman.

Even after working with him for some time, you still couldn’t believe the older man was practically a man child, even asking for head pats sometimes. He would lean down with a pout, using a squeaky voice to call your attention, which always succeeded in Megumi fake gagging before he locked himself inside his studio.

“Forwarded you his address. Really sorry for the inconvenience, Y/N!”

“It’s okay!” you jumped out of your seat in an instant, not bothering to take your name tag off anymore as you left the salon, hailing the nearest cab.

Megumi lived quite far from the salon, which had you wondering why he chose to work there when there were plenty of salons in his area too. His place looked shady, as well, his apartment in a high-rise building with endless graffiti and several drunk stragglers hooting for you.

You ignored them all, taking two steps at a time from his staircase, your hands on your knees as you panted for air. Why did he have to live on the tenth floor?

“Megumi! Megumi!” you banged your fist on the door, throat parched from your sudden cardio session. You were sure you burned ten calories just from that sprint, and you sighed in relief when Megumi swung the door open, still looking handsome – and sleep-deprived – as ever in his black shirt and black skinny jeans.

“What?” he demanded. After seeing that it was you, he quickly snatched a water bottle and passed it your way, closing his door behind him. “Y/N? What are you doing here? How’d you know where I live?”

“Satoru said you had a really important client. You weren’t picking your phone up so he sent me to come get you.”

“It’s my day off,” he grumbled, answering your silent questions, your worries dissipating into thin air. Once you’d satisfied yourself by basically dunking the entire bottle, Megumi rolled his eyes, his hands flat on the small of your back while he guided you downstairs. The sudden touch flamed your cheeks; a stupid smile on your face. You were shameless, though, leaning back closer to him in the darkness of the early morning. “Why does he send a girl out of all people?”

“Something wrong with that?”

“It’s unsafe. My neighbourhood isn’t the best and who knows what would’ve happened to you if some goons came out?” Megumi hailed for a back, surprising you when he let you get in first and paid for the fee despite your outstretched hand prepared with the bills. “I can’t believe Sukuna chose this day to come of all times. I can never get a damn break.”

“Sukuna?”

“A special client. He’s a really huge tipper and comes on odd schedules – I didn’t think he’d come now.”

“Yeah, I checked the papers and he wasn’t there,” you frowned to yourself.

Megumi pressed his head against the window, eyes closed as his chest heaved up and down rhythmically. With the sun slowly shining from behind you, the golden stretches of it outlined his sharp features you adored, and you rested your chin on your palms, eyelashes fluttering at his beauty. “You know, Megumi, you’re really pissy sometimes – but you’re quite nice, aren’t you? I’d say you were even worried for me.”

He cracked one eye open, those blue eyes still shining with irritation, but make no mistake since his ears were flushed red. “I’m not. I just don’t want to be involved in a police investigation if they find your body near here.”

“How sweet of you.”

“Shut up.”

You and Megumi were beginning to get closer. You couldn’t pinpoint where he started to grow more comfortable with you, but it was definitely there and it was painfully evident that even someone stupid like Satoru noticed the sexual between you two.

He would always sniff the air whenever you and Megumi sat next to each other during lunch breaks, a wide grin on your face while Megumi buried his face in his hands, groaning because he knew the moment Satoru opened his mouth, nothing but dumb comments would come out. And dumb comments they were; the white-haired man merciless as he teased Megumi for acting like a cute little kid around you.

You never took it to heart, though. It was Megumi you were talking about; he was hot and cold; sweet then distant from one moment then an entire person the next.

Not that you minded, it only added to your fuelling crush on him, but you couldn’t control the way your heart fluttered every time Satoru whispered that he did like you, excusing that Megumi just wasn’t the best with words. Apparently, Megumi had spent too much time holed up in his apartment and studio that he had zero to little knowledge on how to talk to pretty girls – especially one that was clearly attracted to him as well.

Satoru encouraged you to go for it – that you should confess or break the ice first otherwise Megumi would never do anything about his raging boner every time you came around.

You only flushed at his statement, but you couldn’t deny that you too felt the same way.

One morning where Satoru and Geto were out restocking supplies, you and Megumi were left alone in the salon. Of course, he still resorted in the comfort of his studio, muttering under his breath that he wanted to try some designs before disappearing. Only this time, he left the door slightly open, the lights peeking through the slight crack.

Walking up to him with muted footsteps, you leaned over his shoulder, glancing over a sketch of...you? “Are you drawing me?”

Megumi yelped at your voice right next to his ear, throwing the paper away on the other side of the room before glaring at you. You laughed at his reaction, because how was it possible he was both so criminally sexy yet adorable? He looked terribly gorgeous today, as well, wearing a short sleeved black hoodie and black sweatpants, looking so comfortable and boyfriend like – and you couldn’t even begin to express your appreciation over his new lip piercing.

“Why do you always sneak up on me?” he snapped, “Didn’t I tell you I wanted privacy?”

“Then why aren’t you pushing me away?”

Megumi sighed exasperatedly, turning back to organize his pencils before glaring at you. “What do you want? Got no one else to bother since Satoru isn’t around?”

“I just wanted to see your art,” you mentioned, but kept your eyes directed on him instead of the plethora of sketches and designs hanging from his wall as to not offend him. “Satoru told me to never come inside. He said you’re really...private when it comes to your works,” you furrowed your brows at the last part, feeling your heart beat pulse at your tongue.

It was now or never.

“Can I see your tattoos too?”

“Why do you want to see them?”

“A work of art on a canvas who’s also a work of art himself?” you finally gained confidence to tease him again, getting riled up further when Megumi stiffened at your curious hands travelling under his shirt. His breath sharpened as his glare only deepened, though he didn’t make a move to stop you. “Why wouldn’t I want to see that?”

“Being flirty doesn’t work on you. It’s not cute.”

“You’re blushing though,” you remarked. Megumi groaned and pushed your face away until your buttocks landed on his recliner. Satisfied with Megumi not completely kicking you out, you swung your legs back and forth, still staring at his hoodie as if it was an offensive material.

“Can I...see?” Megumi rolled his eyes before he lifted his shirt up, revealing to you intricate patches of black ink splattered over ripples of muscles. Your mouth salivated, and somewhere down there, you drooled too. Tentatively, your hands reached out to finger the image of canines, Megumi shuddering over your cold touch on his warm skin. “It’s beautiful. What does it mean?”

Megumi pursed his lips before whispering, “These are the dogs I had as a child. My father got me them so I wouldn’t be too lonely when he’s away from work.”

“They’re very pretty. They look like black and white wolves,” you smiled, elated that he was opening up in more ways than one. Your touch flitted over to a winged creature under his left collarbone, small letters beside the image. “And this bird? Nue? He’s so majestic,” Your hands never stopped in trailing over his skin like a lost wanderer, sweeping over ink ink until Megumi completely discarded his hoodie to the side, his back faced to you.

A white viper tattoo stood large on his broad back, crawling until over his shoulder with the fangs ending just above his pecs. Megumi swallowed at each slivering touch, your fingers dipping and caressing every dent and curve of his body.

You couldn’t get your eyes off of him, your breath hitching in your throat as one of your hands gripped his biceps subconsciously. “You’re so beautiful.”

Megumi stiffened when your thumbs grazed over his nipple right next to the viper’s fang. Almost as if a switch was triggered inside him, Megumi growled, ducking to capture your lips with his in a sloppy, heated kiss. His hands tugged at the ends of your hair to arch your neck to him, his knees slapping your legs open before he settled comfortably between you, his low groans mixing with your breath moans.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing. From the moment I met you,” he nibbled your lips, hands trailing down to thumb at your hipbones. “I knew that innocent good girl look was nothing but an act.”

You smiled through the kiss, a tiny gasp falling from your lips when Megumi pulled you closer until your heat grinded against the hardness inside his pants. Laughing at his harsh movements, you let Megumi tilt your head back, his lips sucking and teeth gently nipping at the sensitive flesh of your neck.

“Innocent girl?” you echoed, legs now wrapped around his waist to pull him closer. “What makes you think I am?”

“White lace panties? Short tennis skirts and sunshine smiles?” Megumi clenched his teeth, his hands eager as he tugged the white lace down until it looped to your ankles. You gasped, back arching when he thrusted two fingers inside you, curling and fingering against your bumpy walls. “You’re not fooling anyone, baby, especially not me.”

“Took you long enough to understand I wanted you though,” you chuckled through broken moans, eyes shut tight while your legs opened wider, heels digging into the hard cushion of his seats. “I was wondering when I’d get to break you from that tough guy act of yours and have you fuck me good,” Megumi growled at your words. You leaned forward to scratch at his chest, your tongue licking the shell of your ear as you rasped, “And on a side note, I am a good girl – only to those who can make me feel good, of course.”

Megumi cupped his palm to collect your arousal dripping of his, finally shutting you up when his fingers grazed over your sweet spot that had you clenching around him. And those were just his fingers. “You’re something else, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I know,” you nodded smugly, hands coming up to tug harshly at his hair. Megumi hissed at the sharp pain, prompting him to fuck his fingers in and out of you faster until you leaked down to his chair, thighs trembling and your high-pitched moans coating the walls of his stupid. “Megumi, ah! Just shut up and fuck me already – been wanting you long enough.”

“Needy little girl,” He pressed you down on the reclining seat, settling between your legs before he spread your lips open with two thumbs. At the sight of your bare cunt clenching around nothing, Megumi groaned, teeth biting his lip because he could cum right then and there. “Fuck, look at you. So wet already,” he ran a hand over your slit to collect your arousal, eyes dark with lust as your juices webbed between his fingers. “All this for me? You’re so good.”

“Fuck – yeah, yeah I am,” you leaned back harder into the seat, groping at your own breasts while you nodded dumbly, too fucked out to even form a coherent response. “Going to be good for you, Megumi, gonna make you feel good.”

“Sorry, babe, maybe next time. I’m too impatient to not feel your pussy around me,” he pushed away at your hands that planned to pump his cock, his hand coming down to push you hard against the seat until his weight loomed over you.

You felt Megumi begin to align his tip at your center, dampening his mushroom head with your arousal first that had you both moaning left and right.

Hands scratching down his back as your teeth dug into your lips, Megumi pushed into you with one thrust, the sudden stretch making your legs shake and your body writhe underneath him. “Shit, why are you so tight? So fucking warm and perfect,” he rasped next to your ear, and you could hear how hard he was breathing as he thrusted into you, his cock hitting all the right places.  “Could fuck this pretty pussy all day, baby, shit.”

“Me-Megumi – t-too big!”

“Shh, you’ll be fine. You’ll take it like a good girl, won’t you?” he cupped your cheek, grinning sinisterly as he watched the way your greedy walls sucked him in. “See how you take me so well? You’re so small and pretty wrapped around my cock. I could break you if I wanted you,” he growled, his hands gripping hard at your hips when you clenched around him, enticing the man above you to quicken his pace.

Megumi watched with a lust filled gaze as your breasts bounced at the relentless pace he started, his balls slapping at your ass. “Oh, you’d want that, wouldn’t you? You want to be stuffed with my fat cock in you? Fuck you until you’re a drooling mess? You’re so gorgeous when I fuck you stupid.”

“Yes, Megumi, agh. Keep going, keep going, I’m so close!”

“Oh, you feel like heaven around me,” he praised at your neck, his cock stretching you wide and pushing into you. Megumi groaned lowly at your ear as his palms flattened over your stomach that bulged every time he thrusted in, his balls tightening at the sight. “Look at how big I am for you, baby, but you’re doing so well. You were made for me – made to take my cock, shit, you’re so perfect around me. Gonna make you feel good, yeah? You’re such a good girl for me. Cum, baby, that’s right – I’m allowing you to cum.”

“Gumi, Gumi, fuckkk,” your legs tightened around him as Megumi panted with each harsh thrust, the black marks over his skin expanding and stretch when his forearm rested beside your head. His muscles clenched as he fucked into you deep, over and over again until he pushed you over the edge.

A silent sob left your lips when you came around him, your juices creaming around his cock. A few thrusts later, Megumi fell on top of you as you felt him spill his seed inside you.

He had too much that you felt both your cum dripping down your ass; Megumi pulling out with a slight wince from the oversensitivity. You struggled to catch your breath as you laid there, legs wide open and the cool air hitting your bare pussy. The door was still open, and Satoru and Geto could walk in on you both looking like this, but you couldn’t care, not when you could barely feel your legs.

You dropped your arm over your face, hearing Megumi pull his pants back up. “That was...”

“Intense?”

“Yeah,” you chuckled, wincing as you sat up. Your hair stuck to your forehead in sweaty clumps, dawning on you now that you were still very much covered in your sticky cum. You recoiled from the seats as you realized Megumi hadn’t even put on a towel underneath.

“Shit. Is this chair even clean?”

“I sanitize it every after session. Don’t worry about it,” he rolled his eyes, his tattoos covered and hidden from your sight once more when he pulled his hoodie over his head. Megumi retrieved a clean towel from his drawers and wiped at your sensitive pussy, your legs immediately closing around his hands when the towel accidentally grazed your clit.

Megumi gripped your knees with a silent glare. “Stay still. I’m cleaning you up.”

“I didn’t peg you as an aftercare guy. Thought you would leave me hanging here,” you teased, but really, you were feeling warm all over again as you watched Megumi wipe you all the way down to your other hole, your legs still tensing up.

Once he left to wash his hands, you could relax, tugging your panties back up with immense struggle. He wasn’t kidding when he said he’d fuck you good – you could barely feel your legs now.

“And have you make a mess by ruining my seat?” he sighed as he returned, helping you seady yourself while he snapped the slightly soaked panty back to your core. “No thanks.”

“You’re so mean, Megumi. I’m hurt.”

He rolled his eyes at your pout, leaning down to kiss you square on the lips. This time around, the kiss wasn’t rushed; it was slow and sensual, firm yet gentle, and his hands carefully massaged your sore hips that would soon bruise from his grip before.

“No, you’re not,” he mumbled through your lips, mimicking that lovesick smile on your face as he pulled away. “But babe, you know the rules. Now that you’ve seen my work of art – what tattoo would you like me to give you? My name on your inner thigh?”

[ningningsdream]

keep it low | mk.l

pairing: music student!mark x music student!fem reader

genre: fluff, angst, roommates-to-lovers

word count: 6.5k

warning(s): swearing, maybe a little suggestive (mention of making out and implicit allusion to sex but no smut)

description: in which you didn’t expect to also be a love counselor when you moved in with your new roommate.

a/n: this is apart of my new series of roommates-to-lovers with the dreamies, sweet life

main masterlist

when you were younger, you’ve always expected to stick with your best friends after highschool, having the best uni experience together, being roommates and all but you never expected almost all of them to either go study abroad or in a university far away from yours. you went to Seoul Music University, a prestigious school you had the chance to attend thanks to your good grades and the entrance interview you nailed a few months before receiving your acceptance letter. the only ‘bad thing’ about being accepted at SMU was that you lived really far away from Seoul but one of your friends who knew people at SMU told you that there was this building known to house a lot of students from the university. even though the building wasn’t linked to the school, it was treated as if it was part of it since most of the person living in that building went to SMU because it was literally five minutes away from the university.

you asked your friend to ask her friends at SMU if they knew anyone who needed a roommate and that was how you ended up with mark lee’s number.

you: hey, is this mark?

possible future roommate: uhm yes? who is this?

you: im y/n, my friend gave me your number because your friends said you were looking for a roommate? and im actually looking for a place to live

possible future roommate: oh right!

possible future roommate: do you want to come see the place tomorrow?

you: mmh yeah that would be great

possible future roommate: great, just text me when you’re downstairs, i’ll come and get you

you: you’re not a creepy dude that’s going to kill me right?

possible future roommate: no

possible future roommate: even if i was, i wouldn’t admit it

you: really reassuring 😭

the first time you met mark, let’s just say that you didn’t expect him to look like that. you didn’t know what you were expecting but surely not a cute guy with glasses and a dorky smile. as for mark, he almost fell on the floor when he first saw you -literally, his feet somehow got tangled-, he was nervous about the possible idea of having a girl as a roommate. to end the awkward silence he asked you questions about yourself which you returned.

mark learned that you were starting your first year at SMU, that you were going to study musical analysis and songwriting and that you needed a place to stay because your hometown was far away whereas you learned that mark was already in his second year at SMU making him one year older than you, that he was studying musical composition and sounds aesthetics and that his ex-roommate moved out to move in with his girlfriend.

mark gave you a little apartment tour which was surprisingly pretty neat. it was a lot bigger and more luminous than you expected. the room that was supposed to be yours was simple yet cozy. mark told you everything you needed to know about the rent, the neighbors, etc. and you agreed to be his roommate.

living with mark was pretty simple at first. you two didn’t really get out of your rooms so you wouldn’t interact often, just short greetings when you bumped into each other in the hallway or the kitchen. but the peaceful atmosphere changed when uni started. you two saw each other even less than before, having different majors and different schedules but you sure were hearing him more.

well not him, his music.

it was pretty soft at first, you could barely hear it but as weeks passed by, the volume became louder and louder. you would sometimes go to his door, knocking on it with an annoyed expression on your face but every time he would open the door with this apologetic face, looking at you like a stray puppy with his doe eyes while apologizing for the noise, promising to turn it down, you couldn’t be mad at him, not with that face.

every morning for the past month, you needed a cup of coffee - even though you hated coffee - to stay awake all day long.

“why are you so sleepy again?”, lia, the only friend that followed you throughout your entire life, asked you as she saw your half-open eyelids.

“my roommate stayed up so late, blasting his music through the speakers in his room. i’m still surprised we didn’t have any complaints yet.”, you said, before putting a hand on your mouth to yawn.

“tell him to turn it down.”

“already tried but it seems like he instinctively turns it back up gradually.”

“then tell him to shut his freaking music off so you could get some beauty sleep.”

“can’t.”

“why?”

“because he always looks at me so apologetically that i can’t get angry.”

“girl, you have a crush on him or something?”

“nah, he just has that kind of face, you know?”

one night, apart from the beats and music coming from mark’s room, you also heard his voice, stopping mid-sentence every time to see if the lyrics were good. this time the song was a lot slower and softer than the usual stuff he would do so instead of keeping you awake, it kind of lull you to sleep. the next morning, you felt refreshed and more energetic as you had your eight hours of sleep.

“you looked better today girl! what happened?”, lia asked enthusiastically as you sat down next to her.

“finally got a good night of sleep.”

during your classes, from time to time, your brain would hum what you identified as mark’s song from last night, lyrics popping here and there in your brain, a mix of the one you heard from him and new ones you just made up. you wrote them down on a random piece of paper as they seemed to be stuck in your brain.

later that day, you were sitting on your bed while going through the list of first years in the composition class to find a partner for this project you have to do for your writing class. every year, students from these two classes would collaborate to create a song and it was supposed to represent 35% of your semester’s grade so it was pretty important. to choose a partner, your professors had made this list thing where they put the students’ music profiles next to their name so that everyone can collaborate with someone that had the same interests musically. the few students you managed to pick already had a partner and the process of selecting other students was already tiring you.

as you were about to dive in the list again you heard mark’s voice starting to sing the same song that lulled you to sleep. you could clearly hear the hesitation in his voice as the lyrics came out. your eyes wandered to the stacks on notebooks on your desk in which was the piece of paper you wrote lyrics to his song on and you thought about it for a moment. should you give him the lyrics you wrote or should you just let him do his thing? after all, he never meant to share the song with you.

after a hot minute of thinking, you stood up and went to your desk, taking the piece of paper out of one of your notebooks and headed to mark’s room.

when he heard the knock on his door, mark thought he knew what you wanted to tell him. he thought it was the usual 'can you turn it down?’ question so he opened the door and went, “i’m sorr-”, but you interrupted him by giving him the paper with the lyrics on it before going back to your room without saying anything. mark stood there with a frown on his face, trying to understand what just happened. he looked at the piece of paper you just gave him and recognized some of his lyrics along with unknown ones. he started to sing it in his head as he closed the door walking to his desk and decided to give it a try with the music.

you sat on your bed, waiting impatiently for his next move. a few seconds later, you heard mark singing the lyrics you gave him to his instrumental and found yourself smiling at how good it was. satisfied with how smooth the song sounded now without mark interrupting himself every second, trying to find better words, you were about to dive right back in that list of students, determined to find a partner when your roommate barged into your room.

“sure mark, come in.”, you said, sarcastically rolling your eyes.

“sorry…”, he quickly apologized, rubbing the back of his neck, “the lyrics you gave me, how-”

“i can hear everything coming from your room mark, the lyrics just popped in my head this morning as your song was stuck in my brain.”

“it’s- it’s really good. the lyrics.”

“well thanks. i am studying that after all.”

“i- uhm…are you busy right now?”, he asked, his shyness taking over his body.

“oh uhm i have to find a partner for that composition-songwriting project.”, you sighed before turning your attention back to the list.

mark nodded a little bit disappointed. he wanted to ask you if you wanted to maybe, possibly help him with his song but since you were busy with that project- wait, he too had the same project to do.

“do you want to do it with me?”, mark’s voice suddenly surprised you as you thought he already left.

“what?”, you asked because you didn’t really hear his question as your focus was on your laptop.

“the project. want to do it together?”, he asked, full of hope.

“aren’t we supposed to do it with someone from our year?”

“i’ll ask mr.kim if i can do it with you, only if you want to though.”, he said, rubbing the back of his neck. you nodded with a smile. now, you could stop going through that hell of a list. after receiving a positive answer from your professors, you and mark started to work on your song.

at first, you thought that the two of you would just work on the project, you didn’t expect to actually get to know your roommate more. you spent the last few nights in mark’s bedroom, working on your song while having some extra fun because your roommate was unexpectedly a bigger dork than you thought.

“how about we change these lyrics to those?”, you suggested, showing mark the two sentences.

the song you were making was supposed to be a sad and heartbreaking one and you wanted the lyrics to hit deep in people’s soul.

“damn girl, who hurt you?”, mark’s question made you smile, satisfied with his reaction.

you yawned a few minutes later, falling onto mark’s bed while stretching, “i’m just going to rest my eyes for five minutes. if i fall asleep, wake me up.”

you opened your eyes and it was the next morning, you panicked for a moment before remembering that it was sunday and that you didn’t have any classes to attend. you rubbed your eyes and looked around the room but saw no trace of mark. you heard some rustling in the kitchen so you walked out of mark’s room, stopping by the bathroom before joining your roommate in the kitchen.

“why didn’t you wake me up?”

“you were so cute, i didn’t want to wake you up.”, your ears perked up at the compliment while mark was trying to correct himself out of embarrassment, “i-i-i mean peaceful, yeah peaceful, you looked peaceful. anyway, breakfast?”

you smiled at how dorky he was, realizing what you’ve been missing out on during the first part of your semester.

“what’s for breakfast?”

“i tried to make eggs but they didn’t turn out great…gordon ramsay would be ashamed.”, mark said, rubbing the back of his neck with a little embarrassed smile.

“it can’t be worse than your curry that smelled like burned chicken.”, you commented, thinking about the time your roommate said he would try and cook something new but it turned out real bad and you just ended up ordering jajangmyeon.

“it wasn’t that bad.”, he corrected softly, earning a look from you which made him admit the disaster that was his attempt at cooking.

“oh by the way, where did you sleep?”

“on the couch.”

“that must have been so uncomfortable, you don’t even fit on the couch! you could’ve just lied beside me, it’s no big deal.”

“i’m a sleep cuddler, didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“i wouldn’t have minded the cuddling.”, you jokingly shrugged as mark felt his ears becoming redder and redder. you took a bite of his eggs and frowned a bit, “they are surprisingly okay.”

the more time you spent with mark, the more you learned to love these little things about him, like how he would get excited and laugh his heart out while clapping hard or kicking his legs or how he played his music a little too loud at night because 1. you were now in the room with him and not trying to sleep and 2. you admired how dedicated he was to his music. even if you still asked him to keep it low when you went back to your room, you would always smile when you heard his music increasing slowly.

mark would also slowly get more comfortable around you, letting his weird but cute little quirks come out more often like now when you two go grocery shopping together he didn’t have to hide his excitement every time he saw watermelons.

“you wanna grab dinner tonight?”, lia aked you as you sat next to her in class.

“sorry, i can’t tonight. mark and i are staying late to record our song for the project.”, you said with a little pout.

“oh so you and mark huh? you’ve become quite close.”, lia wiggled her eyebrows at you, subtly hinting at something.

“well yeah, he’s my roommate after all.”, you simply reply, ignoring her teasing.

“you were still calling him 'your roommate’ a few months ago, i didn’t even know his name was mark.”, lia deadpanned.

“i just need time to get to know people.”

“i’m sure you two will really get to know each other in that dark studio all alone.”

“one, nothing is going to happen and two, we’re not going to be alone, mark asked his friend to sing the demo so we’re not going to be alone.”

“mmmh i still ship it though.”, your friend smirked before turning back to writing her notes.

after your last class of the day, you went back to your apartment to take a shower and chill a little, waiting for mark’s 6pm class to end.

sucky cook 🍳: my class ends in 15 minutes, meet me in front of the room?

you grabbed your bag, put your shoes on, and made your way to mark’s classroom on the composition side of the campus. you took a peek into each classroom to see if mark was in there -thanks to the little window on the door. when you finally spotted him, you waited patiently for five minutes before the door opened, startling you.

“it’s me.”, the familiar laugh made you frown and hit the arm of the person it belonged to.

“marrrk, you scared me! you could’ve opened the door softer goddamnit!”, you complained as you two walked to the studios’ area.

“oh come on, you scaredy-cat.”, he said, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and messing your freshly dried hair up.

after you two stopped by the studio reservation office to grabbed the key card of the studio you two reserved for that day, you entered the little dark studio and started to prepare the tracks and everything.

mark’s friend, donghyuck, arrived a few minutes later and introduced himself to you. you discovered that donghyuck was your age and that he wasn’t really a singer or anything, mark just liked the tone of his voice which you agree with. you three were so concentrated on the recording that you didn’t even notice how many hours had passed by until your stomach growled.

“oh wow it’s 8pm already. we should take a break and get something to eat.”, you said after looking at the time on your phone.

“don’t worry, i already took care of that. i texted my roommate to bring us some food.”, donghyuck said.

“oh by the way, your voice is really nice. have you considered being a singer professionally?”, you asked him while you three waited for donghyuck’s roommate.

“no, not really. i didn’t really know that i knew how to sing until mark made a comment about it.”

“you should really consider the option though. i’ve never heard a voice like yours, it’s really unique and recognizable. honestly, you could make it as a singer.”

“it’s not that special…”, mark quietly said, hiding the sulkiness in his voice.

donghyuck eyed mark as the two of you started to argue -not really- on donghyuck’s voice with you being almost more offended at mark’s comment than the one it was about. the younger boy’s eyes went back and forth between the two of you as he would slowly start to realize something.

mark was the first one to tell him that his voice was great and was always the one who praised the uniqueness of his tone so why the sudden change?

was mark lee��jealous?

donghyuck was trying to hide his smile at the thought of a jealous mark lee when you all heard a knock on the door. donghyuck opened it, being the closest one to the door and revealing a short girl behind it, holding bags of food.

“you’re lucky i owe you big time.”, his roommate said, handing him two bags that donghyuck hurriedly took.

“you kids enjoy this.”, he said, putting one of them on the mini table, and then he turned back to his roommate, pushing her outside the studio, “we have to be somewhere.”

before his roommate could even protest, donghyuck had already closed the door, leaving mark and you alone with a lot of questions going through your head.

you two started to eat while talking about your lives, “so how did you meet donghyuck?”

“oh he knew one of my friends, johnny, and we met at a party of his. i thought he was a brat at first.”, mark replied, earning a laugh from you.

“what about now?”

“he’s still a brat…but he’s also one of my closest friends. i-”, mark was interrupted by his phone ringing but when he checked who was calling him, you could see the hesitation in his eyes before he declined it, “sorry, i’m going to put it on mute.”

after mark’s little story about donghyuck puking on his shoes once when he was drunk, not because on the alcohol but just because he wanted to, you two went back to your songs.

“maybe right there we can enhance the-”, mark stopped again in the middle of his sentence to look at the caller id on his phone for what seemed like the hundredth time to you.

along with the calls he has also received some messages which you didn’t read because you respected his private life and at that moment, it was maybe because of your tiredness or just the annoyance of that caller that didn’t seem to understand that mark was busy but you said, “you can answer it if you want.”

“nah, it’s okay. i don’t want to talk to that person.”, mark replied, giving you a sad little smile which you wondered the meaning behind it.

mark continued his explanation and you started exchanging ideas when the caller id appeared, again.

enough was enough for you.

you took mark’s phone and answered the call, “hello, can you stop calling please? we’ll really appreciate it, thank you.”, you didn’t even wait for the caller’s response and immediately hung up.

a sudden feeling of guilt took over you as you realized you’ve just invaded his private life. you shouldn’t have answered that call for him.

without even noticing it you started to ramble, “i-i’m sorry. i shouldn’t have done that. i overstepped-”

“it’s alright, it’s alright. if anything i have to thank you.”, mark reassured you even though you still felt a little bad about the situation.

after you answered that call, the person stopped bothering mark and you managed to finish your song that night. you felt so relieved after that, you had more time to rest and more time to hang out with lia, it felt like forever since the two of you hung out.

“so tell me everything about you and mark? how is it going?”, lia asked, dropping the delivery food you two ordered on her coffee table.

you and lia decided to have a movie night but it was more of a 'catch-me-up-on-everything-happening-in-your-life’ night while you were both eating fried chicken.

“i already told you! there’s nothing between mark and me.”

“you sure of that? nothing happened? at all? not even a tiny teeny thing?”

“well…”

“i knew it! tell me everything!”

“it’s nothing, really, nothing at all. there was just that one time, we were taking a break from the song for our project and i spotted the guitar in the corner of his room so i asked him if he knew how to play. he said yes and you know me i always talk about my life so i told him that i’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. then he handed it to me and told me it was easy, he started to teach me the basic notes and everything, it even came to a point where his arms were around me because he was putting my fingers in the right places and when i turned to look at him, our faces were so close.”, lia let out a little squeal at your story, “but nothing happened!”, you clarified as your friend’s expression changed from excited to disappointed.

“why not?!”

“because- because we’re roommates!”

“so what?”

“it will be awkward if we broke up. i’m really not ready to find another roommate.”, you explained.

“but what if you’re missing on something?”, your friend argued, not wanting you to regret anything.

“i’ve never been really lucky in that area of my life…”, you stated, reminiscing your past relationship.

“you know it’s been a long time right? you have the right to try with someone new.”, lia reassured you, knowing exactly where your mind was going.

“i know but we were so good together, i don’t know if i can ever find someone like him.”

“y/n, sweetie, you’re not supposed to find someone like him. just find someone who can make you as happy as he did if not even happier.”

“i have you, that’s enough.”, you said, wrapping your arms around lia.

“my girlfriend would not agree with that.”, lia replied with a chuckle.

“why not? we could be the hottest throuple.”, you retorted jokingly.

“never suggest that to my girlfriend, she might accept.”, lia said, making the both of you laugh.

before it got too late, you left lia’s apartment to go back to yours. luckily, her building was just a couple of minutes away from yours, so it didn’t take you long to come back to your dorm. when the elevator’s doors opened, you got out and walked to your door while texting lia that you got home safely but when you looked up, you saw mark and another girl kissing in front of your shared apartment’s door. you froze for a moment as your eyes widened, your phone slipped out of your hands and fell to the ground, causing a big and loud noise to erupt, making the couple stop in their heated action.

“i-i-”, you stuttered, picking your phone up from the ground, “i am so sorry. i-i’m going to go…uhm…you guys…continue what you were doing-”

“no, please stay. she was going to leave.”, mark said, without an ounce of emotion in his voice but his eyes were begging you.

the girl eyed you then mark and left without saying a word. mark walked back into your apartment, letting the door open for you to enter. you closed the door and removed your shoes before turning around ready to apologize again but when you did so, mark had already disappeared into his room. you sighed and made your way to your own room. you changed into your pajamas and lied in your bed. you tossed and turned for what seemed like an hour, failing to fall asleep. the previous scene seemed to be stuck in your head, you felt incredibly embarrassed, not only because you interrupted mark and that girl you’ve never seen before but also by the fact that maybe you were starting to develop a tiny crush on your roommate.

after some more tossing and turning, you decided to get up and made your way to mark’s room.

maybe apologizing to him will make you feel more at ease about the whole situation.

you knocked on the door, fiddling with your fingers while waiting for mark to open it.

as you heard the door open, the words immediately came out of you, “i am honestly so sorry about what happened earlier, i know i already apologized but i feel like-”, you looked up to see mark’s bloodshot eyes, sadly staring at you, “are you okay?”, your roommate just sniffed in response which you took as a no. your expression softened at how he looked…lost and conflicted.

“do you think i should get back with my ex?”, mark opened his mouth to ask and his voice sounded so fragile.

“okay…we definitely need to have a conversation.”, you said, putting your hands on his shoulders and turned him around, pushing him into his room. you closed the door behind the two of you and sat down on his bed. you grabbed one of his pillows and hugged it while making yourself comfortable, “now tell me what’s up.”

mark sighed and sat next to you, “the girl you saw earlier is my ex-girlfriend.”

“well if you’ve been smooching her like that then yeah you should get back together. seems like you still have feelings.”, you said, even though you may had a crush on him, you were mature enough to put your feelings aside and answer honestly.

“she cheated on me.”

your eyes widened and you quickly corrected yourself, “then don’t get back with her. never. EVER.”

“but-”

“no but! she cheated on you once, if you forgive her now, she’ll think she can get away with it again because you forgave her the first time.”

mark sighed and looked down, his phone vibrated next to him on his bed, “it’s her.”

“don’t answer! give me your phone!”

“no!”

“mark!”, you almost jumped to reach for his phone and your body was literally crushing his. you grabbed his phone and turned towards him saying, “if she didn’t appreciate you enough the first time, she doesn’t get to have a second chance. please don’t let people you love treat you like shit.”

mark suddenly wrapped his arms around you, squeezing you tightly against his own body. you let out a small surprised noise at the unexpected hug but let yourself melt into it anyway, “can we stay like that for a moment?”

“of course.”, you whispered, wrapping your arms around him, rubbing his back.

after that night, you made a mission to help mark get over his ex.

first step was to make mark block his ex’s number. it was tough but after some convincing talk, you managed to persuade him.

second step was to let mark express what he felt about his ex and the whole situation.

“so you want me to write down…my feelings? how am i suppose to do that?”

“just- just write down what you’re feeling. sad, happy, disappointed?”

“are you sure this is going to work?”

“well, you won’t be a 100% okay but you’ll feel better.”

mark sighed and complied. he looked down at the blank piece of paper and scribbled some words. few minutes had passed as mark tried to word his feelings while you were trying to play the guitar - keyword 'trying’.

“i can’t do this!”, you heard mark complain and put his guitar aside to get up and see how he was doing.

“three words? really?”, you asked, looking at the three scribbled words on the piece of paper.

mark stood up and walked to his bed, “i’m not good at expressing myself with words. you’re the songwriting student here!”, the little pout and frown on his face made your heart do that weird little thing.

“okay, fine. let’s do this differently. tell me how you feel in your own way. let’s start with how you felt when you found out about the whole cheating thing.”, you said while looking at the boy falling down on his bed.

“i-i was…angry? sad?”

“angry at her?”

“at myself.”

“why?”

“i-i don’t know- i- feel like it was my fault. maybe if i was like i don’t know, a better boyfriend? i should’ve...saw it coming? change things? like say ‘i love you’ more often?”

“so what you’re saying is that you’re angry at yourself because you think it’s your fault? you think that you could’ve done something to prevent it like being a better boyfriend or telling her you love her more frequently so she wouldn’t have gone to someone else for it?”, you tried to rephrase his messy thoughts into something less messy and more structured.

“wow, you’re good.”, mark said, pretty impressed by how quick your brain worked.

“mark…”, you sat next to him, “you really should stop blaming yourself.”, you put your hand over his, tapping it in comfort, “what stopped you from getting back with her?

"i…don’t…really know? i guess a part of me had doubts because i felt betrayed. you know, it was my friend renjun who told me about it, she didn’t even have the guts to do it.”

“see, this part of you knows that you’re worth more than that. listen to it more often.”, you commented, flicking his forehead, earning a complaint from him, “feel better?”

“better.”, he let out a sigh as his body relaxed after letting out all those feelings he tried to suppress.

third step was to distract mark from thinking about his ex.

you barged into mark’s room screaming, “get your ass prepped because we’re going out tonight!!”

“what are you talking about?”, mark asked, removing his earphones.

“seoul’s music festival!!”, you screamed, holding two tickets up, “lia’s girlfriend knows someone that got us free tickets!!”

“well, enjoy.”, mark replied, putting his earphones back on.

you frowned and walked to him to remove his earphones, “what do you mean? you’re coming with me!”

“nah i’m good.”

“i wasn’t asking. this is step three of the 'getting-over-my-ex’ plan. you need to get out and have fun. i’ve never seen you go out to have fun even once.”

“that’s an exaggeration. i do have fun…sometimes.”

“when was the last time you had 'fun’?”

“i-”, he stopped to think about it for a moment and realized that he didn’t even remember the last time he actually had fun outside with his friends, “fine, i’ll come.”

you two arrived at the festival and you already felt the vibe of the outdoor event. it had a really strong korean coachella feel to it. there was a big stage in the middle of the grass, multiple food trucks selling delicious foods, and lots of people dancing. you grabbed mark’s hand and dragged him to the middle of the crowd of people jamming to the group on stage. you joined in and started to jump up and down while screaming the lyrics to the familiar song. mark smiled while following your actions, enjoying his time with you. you two engaged into a little dancing relay as each of you did a funny weird dance that made the other laugh.

when the two of you got tired, you got away from the stage and the people to buy some delicious food before sitting down on the grass a little away from the festival where you could hear each other talk.

“i’m curious about something.”, mark said, taking a bite of his food.

“hit me.”

“how do you know all these things about getting over someone?”

“well first, the internet exists and second, that’s what lia used on me to make me get over my ex.”

“what happened?”, mark asked curiously, realizing that he didn’t know a thing about your dating life when you know so much about his already.

“well, nothing bad BAD happened, we broke up because he was going to study abroad and i stayed here. i was expecting it so it could’ve affected me worse than it did i guess.”

“do you miss him?”

“sometimes, but then i don’t know if i miss him or what we had and that’s a whole other question.”, you sighed before checking the time, “oh, already?! let’s go check the temporary tattoo area!”

you got up discarding your empty plates in the nearest trashcan and grabbed mark’s hand for you didn’t even how many times tonight. mark didn’t seem to hate it, on the contrary, he quite like the feeling of your small hand in his and he wondered how his fingers would feel intertwined with yours. the answer is perfectly. as he slipped his fingers between yours, you turned to look at him with a confused look on your face that turned into a genuine smile which your roommate returned.

you got a temporary tattoo of a poppy flower in color on the inner side of your forearm and mark got one of a lion on his ankle (something like this but like a lion).

“i can’t believe i got a tattoo. what’s my mom going to think?”, mark said in disbelief as you two walked back to your dorm hand in hand.

“it’s a temporary one, you silly. stop being dramatic.”, you rolled your eyes playfully at him.

“thank you for tonight by the way. it was really fun.”, mark let you entered the apartment first still holding onto your hand as you replied.

“see, you should go out more often. get laid from time to time, one night stands are not that bad. i’m going to change out of this now, goodn-”, as soon as you let go of mark’s hand, your roommate grabbed it again.

“wait!”, mark pulled you back, his other hand instinctively and gently placed itself on your cheek and his lips softly landed on yours.

you were surprised but kissed him back nonetheless. your eyes closed as your whole body enjoyed how mark was making you feel right now. you both pulled away for air and you heard mark ask, “wanna be my one night stand?”

you searched his face for any sign of him kidding but he seemed pretty serious about it, “this is completely physical, right?”

“completely.”, both of you knew that it wasn’t only physical but it’ll suffice for now.

your arms automatically sneaked around his neck and his hands grasped on your hips, bringing your body closer to his as you two engaged into a heated make-out session that turned into more for the rest of the night.

the next morning, the light of the sun coming through the window annoyingly stirring you out of your deep sleep.

can’t a girl just enjoy her morning free of any classes?

wait. this blanket didn’t smell like yours.

your eyes widened as you looked at your surroundings, blushing at the memories of last night. you lied back in mark’s bed wondering where your roommate was. you grabbed your phone on the bedside table and noticed that mark sent you a text.

sucky cook 🍳: hey, sorry i had to leave, didn’t want to be late for my morning class. wanna grab lunch together?

the text unknowingly made you smile as you got out of bed to get ready. when you stepped out of your building, the sun was high in the sky, the wind was softly brushing against your skin and you felt amazing. making your way to mark’s class, you politely greeted the people you knew in the hallways.

mark was impatiently waiting for his morning class to finish, wanting to finally be able to ask you out on a real date. he would’ve loved to ask you before what happened the night before but he sure was not complaining. you made his heart do all sorts of flips and just the thought of you made him all giggly.

“what’s up with you today? you look extra happy.”, his friend, lucas, asked him, after noticing a change in his 'aura’.

“really?”, lucas nodded as an answer and mark just giggled while scratching the back of his neck, “it’s nothing- i mean- no, no, it’s not nothing- i mean- i-”

“ooooh you got laid.”, lucas chuckled as mark tried to shush him, “i didn’t take you for a one night stand kind of guy.”

“i’m not- i mean, it was but- what if i don’t want her to be just a one night stand?”

“oooh hooo mark lee, yes man. get your girl.”

you waited outside of his classroom like last time while scrolling through your phone when a girl stopped in front of the class and checked inside before leaning against the wall next to the door. you looked at her for a second before focusing back on your phone. she looked quite familiar but you didn’t know where you’ve seen her.

“excuse me, are you mark’s roommate?”, the girl hesitantly asked you, snapping you out of your thought.

oh right, mark’s ex.

“uhm…yes.”, you gave her a short answer, not wanting to continue this conversation but she didn’t seem to get it as she walked closer to you.

“what are you doing here?”

“i’m waiting for-”

“y/n!”, both of you turned to the direction the voice came from and you smiled at the boy walking towards you, “kyunhee? what are you doing here?”

“i- i was wondering if you wanted to, i don’t know, grab something to eat?”, she asked, bouncing back and forth on her heels while holding tightly onto her books.

“oh, sorry. i already planned something with y/n.”, mark said, grabbing your hand and intertwining your fingers together, “see you around, kyunhee.”

you still looked at mark with wide eyes as the two of you walked away, “what?”, he asked, noticing your expression.

“you just completed the fourth step without me telling you what it was.”

“what’s the fourth step?”

“rejecting your ex if they come back.”, you proudly said then added, “even though you didn’t have to hold onto my hand to do that.”

“well, i like holding your hand.”

“i thought it was just supposed to be a one night stand.”, you said, hinting at your previous night together.

“what if i want it to be more than a one night stand?”, mark asked, sending a hopeful smile your way.

“i’d like that very much.”, you smiled back at him, giving his hand a light squeeze.

a/n: alright, i finally posted this!!!!! i hope you like it!! i posted this to celebrate nct 2020 and the two new members hnquhncfjkdfhsyufh i can’t wait aaaah and btw i love jisung’s hair so much rn

taglist: @planetjisungie​ @thatanonymousgirl-as14​ @xiao-zi​

[winryofresembool]

Things We Lost in the Fire, ch 38

aka Caleo uni au

Fic summary: Calypso starts studying at a new university, but to her annoyance her new flatmate is a loud mouthed mechanic who also likes to sneak his dog in whenever. But as she learns to know him better, she realizes they might have more in common than what she first thought. Eventually, even the darkest secrets come out…

Chapter summary: A new semester is starting

A/N: We are finally done with the holiday chapters! When it comes to this chapter, I'd like to state that I only have some experience from a couple of Finnish universities so I really don't know a whole lot about how certain things work in practice in the States, so please ignore the possible inaccuracies for the sake of this fic. It feels weird after a couple of 'bigger' chapters to have a bit more 'fillery' one... but... but... there's Caleo in the beginning?? So I hope you'll enjoy nevertheless. I wish I could spread even more love towards this ship because they deserve it but sadly there are only so few hours in a day. The fandom seems so quiet these days...

Anyway, enough rambling! Now let's get to this chapter, and the usual reminder: I love to hear what you think! All comments are much appreciated :)

Words: 2500+ 

Genre: romance & hurt/comfort

Warnings: none

previous chapter / AO3

...

”Is something the matter? You look quite unhappy.”

Leo felt arms sneak around his shoulders from behind while he was sitting on the common area sofa, staring at his laptop with a frown. Some of the speaker’s reddish brown hair fell in front of his face, the smell of cinnamon drifting into his nose, and for some reason that alone was enough to relieve some of Leo’s uneasiness. The small, pale hands found their way down his biceps and stopped there, but he wasn’t going to complain. If he was honest, he was really happy about Calypso’s growing confidence when it came to the physical affection, because it told him she really trusted him. Sometimes he was still amazed that he out of all the people had managed to break the ice around her.

Before Leo let himself get too lovestruck, though, he reminded himself why he was staring at his laptop in the first place. The new semester was starting and that naturally meant new courses, new assignments, new texts to read and… new emails from his professors. One specific email had managed to twist his stomach quite badly. In it, the professor from his chemistry lab class had asked him for a meeting, and Leo assumed he wanted to discuss what had happened on the exam day. Wishing that he could just ignore that said message, he turned his attention back to his girlfriend.

“Just uni issues… nothing more severe this time,” Leo replied half jokingly. The holidays had given him some perspective on what really was important to him and failing a class didn’t feel quite as big an issue anymore. It was inconvenient, yes, on a few levels, but not entirely unfixable.

“Oh?” Calypso finally let her hands slide off of him and sat down next to him. She seemed a bit relieved that this was about the university and not something that was out of her reach, and if Leo was honest, he couldn’t blame her. “What kind of issues?”

“A professor wants to meet me face to face tomorrow. Probably to talk about my recent chemistry lab test or something like that.” He shrugged nonchalantly.

“Hmm… Isn’t it quite unusual for them to give special focus to a single student at this stage?” Calypso asked.

“Apparently they still do that in my department. Who knows, maybe they think I’ve caused them enough trouble by now and want me to quit.”

“But what happened in your lab test was not your fault. Do you think you are any closer to being able to finish it in case you get another chance?”

When Calypso was looking at him with those almost chocolate brown eyes, he felt that it wasn’t impossible.

“Some smart person once said that I need to believe in myself more, so that’s what I need to learn to do. After that… it might be possible.”

“I’m glad you’re listening to me at least sometimes.” Calypso gave him a lopsided smile. “The fact that you know what you should do means that you’re already on your way there.”

“Yeah. I guess so.” Wanting to talk about something else, Leo asked: “Well, what about you? How are you feeling about the upcoming semester?”

“I’m feeling… pretty good about it, you know? Sure, I’ve been reading our course plans and it sounds like our professors are planning to make us work like every day is an exam day and we have some group assignments and important presentations coming up, but… I really like learning? And I like listening to the conversations between our professors and my fellow students during our lectures because it’s something I never got to do when I was stuck at home… I feel like I get new points of views from them all the time. And Annabeth is a really big help; she knows everything about everything so if I ever feel like I can’t follow the lectures, she can always clarify them to me.”

“I have a hard time imagining you not being able to keep up with the professors… but yeah, it’s good you can ask for her help if needed.”

Calypso nodded.

“You know, I’m glad you two got your issues sorted out in the fall,” Leo added as an afterthought.

Calypso looked up at him with a slight frown as if she had completely forgotten about what exactly had happened in the fall. “Oh, right, that. I feel like it was just one big misunderstanding. Both of us realized that we can’t get stuck on something that happened so long ago.”

Leo couldn’t deny that he had also felt a bit jealous of Percy when he had first found out about his and Calypso’s past, but she had clearly moved on, so he wasn’t holding a grudge anymore either. Calypso had decided to date him, and that’s what mattered.

“Yeah, I know from my personal experiences that ain’t worth it,” he replied.

Calypso leaned her head against his shoulder and sighed.

“I have a… maybe a bit weird question. Do you believe in some kind of greater power? You know, like gods?”

Leo wondered why she would ask that. “I dunno. Maybe. I’m not really strongly for or against that. I think I’m the kind of person who needs to see it to believe it, but I don’t think it’s impossible. But why do you ask?”

“This will sound extremely cheesy but sometimes I wonder… if there was a reason why we two met. Like some greater power that pushed us together for some reason.”

“Wow. I don’t know if any greater powers had their fingers in that but I am glad that it happened.” Leo threw his arm around her shoulder and wondered briefly why it felt like such a natural thing to do. At one point he had been too intimidated to initiate any kind of physical contact but now that they were more open with each other and she had seen him in some of his worse moments – he didn’t mind anymore.

“Yeah. Me too.” Calypso whispered.

Only the buzzing of the fridge and some other kitchen machinery could be heard on the background while the flatmates were simply enjoying each other’s company, resting their heads against each other, but eventually Calypso suggested:

“Hey... I think I need something that will allow me to disconnect a bit, so… how about some Friends?”

Leo didn’t have anything against that suggestion. In fact, he always enjoyed the TV show or movie nights with Calypso, for various reasons. “Sure. That sounds great to me. You know I’m always ready to roast my homeboy Chandler.”

“I know you are.” Calypso nudged him and took the remote control to find the right episode. As they started watching and commenting on it (he always enjoyed how snarky Calypso’s comments could be), Leo almost forgot about the upcoming meeting with the professor.

…

The next day, Leo found himself in the building where the office of his lab professor was located. At the breakfast table he had practiced the meeting with Calypso, and Jason had also joined him a bit later to wish him luck. To Leo’s relief, he did seem a lot happier than when he had seen him before the holiday break, but he still didn’t talk a whole lot about his current situation. Leo himself decided that it was better if he didn’t guide his friends too much so instead he did a quick recap on the recent developments in his own life – without mentioning his new relationship status. Luckily Jason didn’t ask, as he seemed to be more worried about Leo’s upcoming meeting.

As he was waiting for the professor to arrive, Leo kept glancing at his clock nervously. The man was already a few minutes late. While Leo knew that wasn’t anything unusual in the university world, as the professors tended to be busy, he still kept wishing he could get the meeting over with as soon as possible. His leg started bouncing again on its own and his fingers were tapping against the wooden handle of the chair. Suddenly he didn’t feel quite as sure about what he was going to tell the professor as he had felt earlier.

Finally, he was pulled from his thoughts by a loud ‘ahem’.

“Mr. Valdez? Sorry I’m late, my meeting with a couple of coworkers got a bit long,” the professor said.

“That’s… that’s fine,” Leo stuttered. Some months ago he would probably have said something snarky as a response but right now he knew better than to take any risks.

“Go in, go in, so we can have a talk,” the professor encouraged. Unwillingly, Leo followed him into his office and had to be told to sit down before he even realized that there was a comfortable looking arm chair right next to him.

“So…” the professor started once he was seated behind his desk. “You probably know why I invited you here.”

“I… I do have an idea…” Leo said hesitantly, looking everywhere in the room except the professor. The man had a lot of engineering related books in his bookshelf, a big stack of papers - probably students’ assignments - and a fancy looking calculator on his desk. Behind him on the wall there was a single photograph of his family. Pretty much exactly how Leo had imagined the said professor’s room looking.

“I will be direct with you. Your achievements in the lab classes - or lack thereof - is a cause of confusion for us. In almost all of the theory related classes, you are on the top of the class – despite the occasional reports that your behavior towards the lecturers could use some improvement.” The man raised his eyebrow, but Leo thought he could see a glint of amusement in his eyes. That didn’t last long, though. “However, until now we have been willing to overlook that because of your talents. Maths, physics, chemistry… those things you clearly don’t have any issues with. But already for the second year you have been avoiding the lab classes for which you have been signed up and last fall you even left the chemistry lab test before you managed to get it completed. I’m sure you are aware that if you want to move onto the more advanced classes, you need to complete the mandatory ones before you are allowed to do that.”

“Yes, sir, I’m aware of that,” Leo replied stiffly, wondering briefly when was the last time he had called anyone sir, other than ironically.

“In that case…” His voice turned less formal, more fatherly as he continued, which surprised Leo. The professors he was used to dealing with were usually not all too nice to him, although he was willing to admit that some of it was probably deserved. “Can I ask you, is there a specific reason why you haven’t attended the lab classes?”

Leo wondered if he should come up with a quick lie. It wouldn’t be the first time in his life that he would have to do that in order to protect himself. However, the professor really seemed sincere and concerned about him and in a way his expression reminded him of Jo’s when she was expecting him to open up. Perhaps that’s why he ended up deciding to answer honestly:

“Yes. There is.”

“And? What is the reason?” The professor raised his eyebrow.

Leo inhaled deeply before forming his response. “I’m afraid of fire. Yeah, laugh ahead, but it’s true. I can’t deal with anything that requires heating because of some nasty as hell childhood trauma.”

To his surprise, the professor didn’t get angry at him for talking to him in such a manner. Instead, he furrowed his eyebrows.

“And you’re still planning to make mechanical engineering your career? Despite your fear?”

Leo nodded slowly. “Yeah. Building and fixing inanimate objects is the only thing I’ve ever known how to do. I was basically born with a hammer and a wrench in my hands and I was capable of building toys for myself when I was like four. After an accident…” He refrained from mentioning his mother because he couldn’t guarantee he would be able to stay calm if he brought that up. “… I haven’t been able to light up a match or anything like that. But almost five years ago, two awesome women adopted me and one of them is a mechanic. She reminded me what I really love about tinkering and it was then that I decided that I wanna keep trying. It’s a process but I am working on it.”

The professor smiled a little. “You know… a lot of our students were unable to take the chemistry lab course in the fall, so we decided to organize another course now in the spring. As it happens, there’s still some room for new people in it. So, if you’re interested, you’re welcome. But remember, you would need to attend all the mandatory classes and complete the tasks that you are assigned, no exceptions. That means we will not be going easy on you just because of your fear.”

Leo’s eyes widened with surprise. He hadn’t expected to get a chance like that.

“Woah, thanks sir! I won’t let you down!”

“That’s good to hear,” the professor nodded approvingly. “Can I ask you a question, though? Why do you want to become a mechanical engineer? I mean, what exactly is it that fascinates you about it, other than the influences you have gotten at your home?”

Leo imagined that the professor could probably see the bolts and nuts moving in his brain as he formed his answer. “I… I wanna learn to develop products that will help us make the world a safer, more sustainable place for us. We engineers, if anyone, can develop technology that will help us achieve that goal. But that’s not all. I also wanna learn more so I can help to share the information forward. I wanna show kids who come from similar backgrounds as I that they should keep on dreaming. There was a time when my mom ate porridge - only porridge - for her meals so she could pay the rent when her business was slow, but she still kept doing it. Because that’s how much she cared about her job. And I want to continue in her footsteps.”

The professor shifted on his seat. “That is an admirable goal, Mr. Valdez. I hope you will succeed. Remember, you do have the skill – you just need to know how to use it.”

“Yeah… Thanks professor.”

“No problem. Don’t forget the class enrollments end tonight so you need to be fast if you want to participate. That’s all for now. Good luck in your future endeavors.”

“Thanks. I’ll go enroll myself then. Bye for now.”

“See you, Mr. Valdez.”

Leo breathed a long sigh of relief the moment he stepped out of the professor’s office. The meeting had gone way better than he had dared to expect. He hadn’t thought he would get another chance so fast, but was grateful for the opportunity. Now, he would only need to kick his fears into the deepest pits of Tartarus, as Calypso would say.

[7wanderingpaws]

Simply, yours (12)

Pairing: Baekhyun x reader

Genre: family AU, hapkido teacher AU, PhD AU

Word count: 3.5K

Warnings: mentions of death, cursing

A/N: a moodboard! Yay! Finally some face to the story ^^ in my head baek looks like on the pics in this one hihi. Couple of more interesting things will happen! Aaaand this series will finish by 15th chapter. Or less. I will see how much time I will have. :( Anyway, thank you all sososososooo much for the support and comments, it means THE WORLD! ❤

tags:  @milky-baek @itsbaekhyunsbutt @luvhtears @shesdreaminginoverdose @cynthbee @jummyjammy @junmyeonnoona @littleflowercrown13 @sebootyforlife​ (if you want to be tagged/untagged please let me know!)

MASTERLIST

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12

Baekhyun was stressed. That much you could tell.

The competition between the universities was in couple of days and he-

“Chanyeol, I can't hang out! I still didn't hand in my paper on the sports psychology thing and I have to head to uni in a couple for the training!”

You were in the kitchen, trying to bake some muffins since you were craving like a mad man, and you could hear him pacing around the bedroom where he bunked the whole day to finish off the mentioned paper. He had been a bit distant since the past three-four days, and you gave him his space, knowing he wasn't taking any silly things from anyone right now. He was full on focused and, well, quite biting to whomever tried to help.

He sighed again. “Listen, I know we still have time to hand it in, but I am so busy with the university team that I need to finish it earlier. Fuck, the assistant master is also breathing on my neck. You need to understa-”

He went quiet when Chanyeol interrupted him, and you silently continued separating the dough to the empty holes on the baking pan.

It had now been two weeks since the Korean New Year and another check-up at the clinic, after which you started to attend pilates classes for the expecting women. You had classes two times per week in the evening hours and one of them clashed with Baekhyun's hapkido class at the university, so you weren't accompanying him that often anymore, which was also a small relief for you. As much as your presence there didn't change matters, you felt like a bothersome girlfriend that needed to keep an eye on him, which was not true. Let alone Jiyoung, although had not necessarily done anything, still made you uneasy with her straight-forward behaviour with Baekhyun. You trusted him, though. After the Korean New Year, you got rid of the whole jealousy nonsense and focused solely on yourself and your own peace of mind. After all, it was literally a matter of a few months and your life would become loud, tiring and just overall turnt upside down.

“And you know I've got other stuff to get taken care of.” Silence. “You know what I'm talking about.” You giggled to yourself, liking how Baekhyun was losing his cool with his best friend, not paying attention to the meaning of his words.

You placed the baking pan in the oven and set up the temperature and timer, finally standing up properly, and hissing at the pain in your lower back. 

These days, whenever you looked in the mirror at your tummy and the dark stretch marks, you couldn't help but wonder how was this humanly possible; to bear three kids in your own body, in that little place under your heart. It blew your mind, and usually you would end up talking about this with Baekhyun just before sleeping when the lights were out and you were curled up at his side.

“Just proves how fucking amazing you are, my love,” he would murmur in your ear.

You smiled to yourself, your heart fluttering at the recollection and you sat down, checking your phone. A new customer who was buying your knitted clothings, was supposed to come by any minute now, so you might as well rest till she arrived, and let Baekhyun deal with his own issues.

You found a message from the lady waiting for you, so you opened it quickly, thinking she might have cancelled on you.

Hello! I was supposed to pick up the ordered knits today, but I can't make it unfortunately, so my husband will come at the promised time instead! Thank you!

Okay, at least she didn't cancel. You didn't care who would come for them as long as they were taken and paid for.

“Okay, Chanyeol, I will meet you tomorrow,” Baekhyun finally ended the call after more discussion and then you heard another heavy sigh. It caused pain for you too, knowing you couldn't help and you also didn't have a constant, stable pay so that you could ease it up for him just a little bit. Great at uselessne- no. You wouldn't allow yourself those thoughts anymore.

“Babe, you good?” you shouted.

“Yeah.”

“Doesn't sound very convincing,” you muttered to yourself, just when the doorbell rang. You struggled up to your feet and headed for the intercom, letting the person in.

“That's the customer, right?” asked Baekhyun from the bedroom.

You made your way to the door, the little bag with necessary clothes prepared, as you shouted back a yes before sliding the door open and waiting for the person to leave the elevator.

You were excited to earn money like this, even if it was just a little bit. You could shop groceries with it and Korea did have expensive fruit and veggies, unfortunately, so this came extremely handy to you.

Quickly shooting a look behind you, you double-checked if everything looked decent and clean in the apartment before turning back just to get the biggest shock.

Without even thinking, you had the urge to slam the door shut in his face before he could properly orient himself on the new floor of apartments, but you didn't do it. Instead, you ran your tongue over your teeth, preparing for a painful smile.

He turned and he spotted you - he just looked at your stomach - standing in the doorway, ready to walk to you resolutely before he actually brought his eyes up to yours. And he momentarily froze, stopping on the spot.

Silence overtook the cold corridor, and you felt the stress creeping up in your stomach, except you had nothing to fear this time. It was him who wanted something. And Baekhyun was right in the apartment in case anything happened.

“I believe you came to pick up the knits?” Your voice was almost foreign to you, it was strained so much.

His eyes fell lower, seeing just how pregnant you were; your body a far cry from when he last saw you. Clearing his throat, he replied: “Yes, I am.”

Slowly, he walked over and you pushed your hand with the bag out for him to take, wanting him to just leave. “Here. That will be 120.000 won, please.”

Your ex-boss stared at you, not taking the bag for a couple of heartbeats. He monitored your face before his eyes looked behind you at the humble apartment. Only after that, he took it while with his other hand he reached behind taking out his wallet probably from the pockets of his trousers. “Yes, I have the exact amount.”

“Good.”

He snapped his eyes back to you, as he took out the necessary cash before handing it to you. “How are you?”

Oh, dear lord. Not the small talk, please.

“I mean, are you doing well and healthy?”

You stared at him, hoping the negative emotions didn't mirror in your eyes too much, as you didnt want to become someone like him. “I'm fine and healthy, thank you for asking.”

“That's a relief.”

Suppressing a scoff, you were about to put an end to this fruitless conversation when you heard shuffling from behind, and Baekhyun's voice. “Is everything alright?” And he appeared.

He walked to your side, shock evident on his face. “You?”

You felt a protective hand around your waist, your boyfriend pushing you further inside the house, not liking an inch your evil boss being near your vicinity.

Your boss, Mr Kim, gave him a tight lipped smile. “Hello, Mr Byun. My wife is the one buying the knits from your wif- girlfriend.”

“Really?”

You nodded. “She wrote me just a couple of minutes ago that her husband would pick them up instead of her,” you explained to Baekhyun, who didn't even look at you, his strict gaze focused on your boss, “and it turns out to be Mr Kim. There are too many Kims in this country, for sure.”

“Well, we hope your wife will enjoy them,” said Baekhyun coldly. “Have a good evening.”

He was about to push both of you back inside to close the door, but your boss surprised you. Again. “I just wanted to… wish you all the best. I hope you will continue having a safe pregnancy and birth.”

You frowned, but nodded nonetheless. “Thank you.”

“And… I apologise.”

Baekhyun's grip on you tightened. “For what exactly?”

Mr Kim looked in your eyes as he seemed to think over his words. “I was acting unprofessional and it was not acceptable. Me sacking you due to your state was not justifiable, and I realize that I probably created even bigger financial difficulties for you. You always mentioned how money comes in handy and yet…” he shook his head, scrunching his eyebrows, “it was all a terrible mistake. I was insensitive. I apologise.”

You took in a shaky breath, your palms sweaty with anxiety as you let his words properly sink in. He actually uttered those words. Those apologetic words. The words you never imagined he would say, because you believed he was incapable of feeling anything close to regret and sorrow.

Sensing your hesitation, Baekhyun spoke up. “I think it's too late for that. But thank you. I bet my girlfriend appreciates your realizations.”

“Why suddenly?” You asked before Baekhyun could push you further inside the apartment. “I worked so hard for you. I always tried to please you yet I received hate.”

Something flashed in his eyes, something you couldn’t quite name. Was it hurt? Was it sorrow? Pain? “I don’t expect you to forgive me. I was ruthless, but just know that I am sorry.” He looked at Baekhyun now. “I deserved the punch.” With a sad smile, he raised and dangled the bag in front of him as he took a step back. “I’m sure my grandchildren will love this. And my wife too. All the best,” he said and turned around, not letting you and Baekhyun speak.

And you wouldn’t even be able to, because Baekhyun closed the door right after muttering: “Get home safely.”

“What was that?” You asked, shell-shocked at the sudden turn of events. “Did this really happen?”

You were still squeezing the bank notes in your sweaty palms and you moved to put them on the dining table, Baekhyun hot on your heels. “He is crazy. One moment he is shouting at you, calling you all kinds of things and the next he is sorry and acts like…whatever” he trailed off, in the heat of a moment unable to think of a proper word.

You shot him a look, amused. “I know. But at least he realized his mistake.”

Baekhyun pursed his lips, not fully convinced with your words but eventually he murmured: “At least if some other employee gets pregnant he won’t throw her out.”

You smiled, satisfied with his way of thinking. “Exactly.”

“And you earned yourself some money,” he reciprocated the smile and he came to you to give you a kiss on the cheek. “Well done.”

“I’ve been earning money through this for some time now,” you reminded him.

“I know but it’s his money.”

“Oh.”

“Exactly.”

-

Once the muffins were out of the oven, you decided to call Sukyeong. Baekhyun retrieved to your shared bedroom to continue his studying. He needed the peace anyway, and you really wanted to chat to your good friend because you had way too many thoughts and questions about your ex-boss’s well being. The way he acted was so unlike him.

Sukyeong thankfully picked up after the third ring and she squealed into the phone upon seeing your name. “Finally! I thought you would never call! We saw each other two weeks ago, don't tell me you got suddenly busy!”

You let out a breathy laugh. “No, I became lazy and almost immobile by now, thank you for the concerns.”

“I think I will have to drop by more often,” she thought out loud. “Besides, I also want to talk about something!”

“Eh? What is it?”

“Nah, this needs to be told face to face.”

Since your topic seemed to be just a little bit more intriguing than Sukyeong’s secretiveness, you decided to go with it and spill the beans. You quickly explained to her what just happened, feeling more encouraged by her gasps.

“Well, there is something that happened actually,” she said after a bit of silence. After you left your job, you and Sukyeong rarely ever talked about the workplace, Sukyeong only complaining about the workload and whatnot. She was such a kind-hearted, considerate friend to you; she knew by default the last person you want to talk about was your screwed up boss. “I just didn't know if I should tell you or not, since it doesn't really include you anymore and also…” she trailed off, “it might scare you.”

You frowned, fingering the little whole in the pillow you were hugging to yourself. “Scare me? What are you talking about?” you let out a doubtful laugh.

Sukyeon sighed and you imagined her playing with her fringe to ease up the nerves. “You know his son is married, right?”

“Mhm.” You rarely paid attention to your boss's private life but you were aware of that fact.

“So, anyway, Mr Kim's daughter-in-law was pregnant and she was supposed to give birth just one month after you left,” she continued on, her words still not bearing an ounce of confidence.

You interrupted her, though. “Oh, really? So why didn't he fire his daughter-in-law, huh?! How dare she be pregnant?! God, that man is ridiculous, I swear. Poor daughter-in-law! How difficult it must be for her to live with him!”

“Erm,” Sukyeong gently called out your name, trying to get your attention, which she did but you wished she didn't as her next words gave you the nausea you had been dreading to have your entire pregnancy. “She died giving birth.”

You went completely silent at that, your mind empty and busy all at the same time. His daughter-in-law died giving birth to his grandchild. She died. Giving birth. “How did that happen?” you breathed out.

“Complications during birth. Unexpected high blood pressure, high sugar levels and many other factors,” she replied, her voice sad.

“Jesus,” you breathed out again, “I had no clue.”

“You couldn't have known, dear.”

Tears burned in your eyes at the thought of how tragic the whole story is. So this was why he was apologetic. “But still… I'm so sorry. To her, and even to him - Mr Kim.”

Sukyeong heaved out a heavy sigh. “Don't cry, I cannot comfort you over the phone like this. You wouldn't know!”

“What if I will die?”

“You won't,” she snapped right away. “You are a healthy woman.”

“You know my blood-pressure is also dangerously high at times.”

“But that doesn't change the fact that you are healthy. You don't have problems with your sugar levels, nor is your entire pregnancy problematic.” She paused, before she continued. “Listen, this is why I was reluctant to tell you. I didn't want to trigger any fear in you. Just don't think about it.”

You felt your chin quiver, but you pushed it down. Sukyeong was right. Plus, Baekhyun really didn't need this kind of stress when he already had too much on his plate right now. Having to suck it up and be brave for your own self for once was something you should have started doing a while ago. You always knew pregnancy was a risk. But you wanted to show everyone that not having enough money and still bearing three healthy babies and eventually giving them birth was something more valuable than any monetary aspect of this world.

“You are right, Sukyeonga. I won't. But you owe me a hot chocolate.”

-

It was around 1am. You were lying on your side, naked back facing Baekhyun as he absentmindedly traced his fingertips over the imprints on your back, left there by your bra. He was shuffling around more, until he resolved to skinship in hopes to ease his mind.

“What's on your mind?” you asked quietly out of nowhere, startling him for a second. He thought you would be asleep by now.

You turned around to your other side, curling up against his chest and he gladly opened his arms for you, missing your presence. It was common that you two would naturally shift apart during the night, both of you deep in sleep, but because of your pregnancy you also felt many times boiling hot which resulted in you scooting as far away from his body heat as the mattress allowed. This time though, the night was exceptionally cold and you knew he needed you.

“Baby, you should be resting,” he rasped quietly.

You held his cheek gently, looking up at him, although he couldn't see you properly in the darkness. “There is something bothering my man,” you whispered, “and I can't sleep when I know you are this troubled.”

He sighed, and you could feel the heaviness of it, the worries somehow too difficult to bear. “It's just a lot on my plate,” he admitted, though very reluctantly. “I want our team to win or at least make it very far but I'm worried I am asking for too much.” His hand was caressing your back, enjoying the hot skin covering it.

“What makes you think that?”

He went silent, contemplating your question and his answer to it. The truth was, Baekhyun's head was very chaotic which rarely happened. Him, who always had a goal clearly set in his mind, never got this worried. “I don't even know. It's the PhD stuff together with this Universiad competition… both require my full attention and even though I am doing my best, I feel like I could still do better.”

It meant a lot that he was this outspoken. He shared his daily issues with you, however only the heavy ones he would let pile up and mull over them until he couldn't bear it anymore.

“My perfectionist boy,” you cooed. “Everything is created in your mind, darling. Everything is still the same as before - you are a student and as your side job you teach kids. Your team was always doing well and that's why you got this opportunity. In fact, you don't need to change anything. You have addition of Jiyoung and her team, that's true, but that still doesn't change the fact that what you did until now is enough. It is all valuable. You're not asking for too much, Baekhyun.”

A couple of heartbeats later you heard him sigh again as he squeezed your body to his, your tummy pressing to his side. “Thank you,” he murmured into your hair.

“Don't keep it in. I know it's difficult. I know, honey.”

“I just want to do well, you know? Do well in my professional life. And I want to do everything in my power to make you and our kids live comfortably.”

You felt stinging behind your eyes, touched and overwhelmed with emotions. “You are doing more than enough, Baekhyun. I'm comfortable and happy because I have you. Out of our entire village, you are the superstar. You are the one who made it. Don't doubt yourself for one second, because I will love you no matter what. You are doing already more than enough, so relax.”

He chuckled lowly. “What would I do without you, hm?” he whispered and he moved to bury his face in your neck, slowly kissing down to your chest where he rested his head under your collarbones. His arm around you was now caressing the bump, his thumb running over the stretched out belly. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

“Don't thank me.That's what I'm here for. For you. In good and in bad,” you replied as you played with his messy hair.

“Already doing the wedding vows?”

You grew hot, the sudden images of a wedding ceremony with Baekhyun warming your heart. “Not yet.”

He hummed. “But soon.”

“After the kids are born.”

“Where do you want to leave them for our honeymoon? They would be always tied to your boobs. That way I can't have them just for myself.”

That made you laugh out loud, and you pulled on his hair gently, making him chuckle. He raised his head and you felt his breath on your smiling lips. “Then you better enjoy them until you can.”

He kissed you slowly, languidly, humming in the process while dragging his hand over your bump and chest until he was cupping your cheek. “I should, huh,” he murmured into your open mouth. “Though I beg for priority. I was the first to claim them.”

You laughed again and Baekhyun felt extremely satisfied, his worries settled for now. He brought you in for another sensual kiss until both of your eyes were droopy enough to pull to sleep.

[writtenbyblair]

#28: What we want

Summary: Catching up with an old friend, you end up finding out that the people who matters never really leave you. 

“Believe me you’ll love it!” Said your friend, grabbing your arm. 

After being roommates for 5 years at MIT, you were used to her crazy last-minute plans. It had been a while since you last got to see each other. Indeed, after college, you left as you had found a job on the West coast and one thing leading to another, plus busy lives, made you lose touch. 

“Should have deleted my Instagram before you found me.” You joked. 

“Come on, it’s going to be fun. They call it an immersive restaurant. You participate in the making of your meal, a true experience.” 

That’s definitely something you would only find in L.A. 

You kept walking for a while and reached the street where the place was located. At first sight, the frontage didn’t look like much, hiding the gem inside. 

Once the door pushed, you stepped into a modern room in shades of teal, gold and black. Magnificent lighting glass balls were hanging over a unique massively long wood table. As soft lounge music was playing in the background, you gave your names to the head waiter who led you to your seats. 

“Hello Ladies, I’ll be your waiter tonight.” The short man handed you a single page menu. “The exclusive meals will be unveiled as the evening goes on. We’ll start at 8.30 as all the clients will be eating at this table. Meanwhile, what would you like to drink?” 

“I’ll take a Metropolitan.” Picked your friend. 

If there was one thing that made you uncomfortable it was making a decision when the staff member was waiting. 

“Uh, I’ll take that too please.” 

“You like that cocktail now?” Asked your friend surprised. 

You shook your head: “I panicked.” Causing both of you to laugh, you added: “I’m going to go change it.” 

“I come with you, I have to go to the bathroom.” 

The place had become way more busy in just a few minutes. Making your way to the bar, you felt a sudden pain in your arm.

“What was this for?” 

“Coming to your left.” 

Recognising the old ‘boy alert’ nudge from uni time, you elevated your chin, but nothing. Looking at your old time bestie, you asked for more precision: “Who? Where?” 

She got weirdly silent. 

You turned your head and your heart made a backflip. 

Too late. 

“Y/N.”

Time had had no effect on him. Apart from his hair being shorter, he looked the same as when you last saw him. A nostalgic feeling tightened your throat at this thought.

“Mac?”

You couldn’t tell how many seconds went on before one of you moved. 

“Sorry” He blinked a few times before giving you a quick hug. “It’s been a while.” The feeling of his hands pressed against your back suspended time for a short moment. 

“Remember me?” Asked your friend. 

“Of course, you two were always together back then.”

A gong echoed in the room marking the dinner’s start. 

Without another word, you all joined your respective chair. Sitting between two women in their fifties, you couldn’t help glancing at the edge of the table. 

When it comes to the meal, you had little idea of what you were eating. Something about sprouted mushrooms and rare fifth talon in sample portions. 

As you tried to counterbalance the void in your stomach by lots of sparkling water, you excused yourself and headed towards the restrooms. 

You ended up in a narrow lobby where two doors were located at the end. Before going out, you washed your hands and found yourself readjusting a piece of hair. You opened the door and came face to face with Mac. 

As you walked past him, his hand brushed yours. Although this was due to the relatively small space, you could feel the redness colouring your cheeks. 

You must admit that once back at the table, you regretted just walking away, not engaging the conversation. It’s just that there were so many things to say, to ask. And after all, he could have done it too, but he didn’t. 

“Hey Y/N, do you have a plaster? These heels are killing me.”

“Some things never change.” You chuckle, remembering how you used to carry everything in your bag whenever the two of you would go on a night out. 

Rummaging in the mess that your leather item was supporting the weight of, your hands landed on a napkin that wasn’t supposed to be there. 

“Don’t trust her” 

The sharp shape of the letters was the same that was annotated all over your physics note back then. 

You looked towards Mac who was speaking with a man older than him. 

“You have it?” 

“Uh,” you scratched your forehead. Burying the paper at the bottom of your bag, you found what she asked for. 

“Here.” You handed her the band-aid with a weak smile. 

At the 5th course served, your attention was definitely not on the food anymore. Why would he resurface after 9 years? And why would he tell you that? 

It was enough. Even the tiny portions didn’t sit well with your stomach right now.

“Are you all right? You’ve been so quiet.” 

“Yes, probably one of these ingredients isn’t much appreciated by my stomach.” You faked a laugh. “I’m sorry, could we reschedule?” 

“Something happened?”

You picked up your bag. “I prefer—“ She grabbed your hand and her face had changed like day and night. 

“Why don’t you sit back and tell me what has gotten into you?”

He was right. You looked for Mac, but his seat was empty. 

One thing was sure though, you would not listen to her. You visualised the table, considering what your free hand could grasp. You felt the stares of your chair neighbours. 

As you were about to get hold of the nearby candlestick, a gunshot exploded. 

The loud and unexpected sound causing people to run everywhere was enough to made her disappear. 

Suddenly, you felt fingers wrapping yours, sweeping you along. Still stunned by the buzzing sound in your ears, you realised whose hand was holding yours.  

“By the window.” 

You looked at him with wide eyes.

“By the window?!” You repeated, hoping you had misheard what he said. 

“Have I ever made you do something crazy?” Honestly, you could have named dozens of these, but judging by the chaos in the restaurant and the close police sirens, it was definitely not a good moment. 

You stepped on the small balcony and replied sarcastically: “No, never.”

He chuckled. Bringing back his focus to the platform he was aiming for, you saw a fraction of hesitation on his face. 

Still, he landed right on it. 

You removed your heels and considered the void below. 

 “LAPD.”

You took a deep breath and jumped. 

The cold metal caused your left foot to slip, but a stronger strength had already secured your waist. 

“You okay?”

“Yeah. I do this every day.” 

“I saw that.” Being aware of the closeness in which you were standing, Mac dropped his hands. “We should probably go.”

—————————

You squeezed the back of your neck, full of knots. Now that your body was at rest, your mind had time to process what had happened under only two hours.

“Well, that was insane. How do you feel?” Asked Mac, hands on the steering wheel of his pickup. 

“Question marks are spinning around my head, but I’m still in one piece, so I would say fine.” 

He turned around briefly to look at you before bringing his focus back on the road. “She had been under our radar for a few months now for stealing blood samples. As you must know, they are reopening closed cases and it doesn’t please some people.”

“Does this have something to do with my thesis project from years ago?”

“DNA Reconstruction via RNA-Guided CRISPR-Cas9 and pattern-matching algorithms.” 

You looked at him completely stupefied. 

He smiled: “You made me proof 948 pages six times. So, it rang a bell immediately.” 

Mac pursued: “That’s why I was there. Our analyst, Riley, found hidden encrypted traffic like text messages, too short to be traced. But two days ago, a sustained transmission enabled her to do so.”

The call you had asking her when you two should meet. That was the sustained transmission. You stayed silent, waiting for further explanations like the cloudy sky waits for the sun. 

“We didn’t need voice analyses.” He paused: “I recognised yours immediately.” 

Mac and you were both lab nerds and study buddies in college, always challenging the other to launch something higher or create a bigger explosion. However, he left unexpectedly without a word, but it wasn’t the moment to talk about that. 

“You said ‘our radar’?” 

“Um yeah, basically the organisation who deals with the stuff the government can’t.”

Not sure you were supposed to know more about it, you asked: “Where are we going?”

“As Jack caught her, you don’t have to worry anymore. I’ll bring you back to your place.”

“How do you— Never mind.” 

A few minutes later, as your heart felt heavier than you care to admit, he gave you a hug goodbye on the threshold of your small house. 

Not feeling like closing your eyes for the most obvious reasons, and having located the nearest solid object you could use 'just in case’, you settled on the couch with a big blanket and a cheesy romcom. 

The growling sound of your stomach reminded you that you had almost eaten nothing tonight. As you moved towards the fridge, you went to close the curtains of the kitchen’s window. 

“What—“

A blanket over your shoulders, you stepped outside in thick socks. 

You knocked on the truck’s hood and surprised a sleepy Mac.

“What are you doing here?!” 

He blinked a couple of times: “I was sleeping… or trying to.”

“Sleeping here, why?” 

Keep reading

This one is probably one of my favourites. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I did writing these words💛

@emmaberrysworld @elliho @gnboling @floh673 @bthtallmadge2 @urmysilverlining​ @secretlibraryoj @alexaparkerlove @mvpdalton @milea @thethistlegirl @jenscorpion @likeit-or-leaveit @amcsummersgoddess @malindacath​ @pattiprinzivalli @avalonsilver @dreambelievergeek @macfangirl15​ @anguishmacgyver​

[this-is-quite-homoerotic]

Another Janto AU idea I’ll probably never write

Okay, this one’s a bit weird. TRUST ME THOUGH, I WON’T LET YOU DOWN!

(Warning: there is no underage, I swear. In case it looks like that’s where I’m heading, I promise I’m not.)

I’ve been thinking about the Jack&Owen father/son dynamic and the Owen&Ianto brothers dynamic and.

No-aliens Modern day AU where a young Jack marries Owen’s mum after a short and tumultuous love affair when Owen’s a kid. The marriage doesn’t last, Jack starts growing out of love with her when he sees how she treats little Owen, who at this point would be 7 or so, and soon other flaws he’d been too enamoured to notice start becoming more and bigger issues until the couple breaks up.

Jack is in his early 20s, and if you’d ask him before he married he’d have told you he wasn’t anywhere near ready to be a father. That doesn’t stop him from imprinting on Owen within minutes of meeting him, however, and with the way Owen’s mother treats him, he actually ends up taking him in the divorce, after many rows and a few teary discussions, because he loves the kid, and he can see that she was not actually in the position to raise anyone, for a variety of reasons that I won’t elaborate on here. She does visit him, Jack is always happy to facilitate her visits with Owen, but not terribly often.

It takes a few years, but Jack eventually adopts him legally, with his mother’s blessings. He talks to Owen every step of the way, always listens to what he has to say, always respecting (within reason) what he wants. Through mutual agreement, they never change Owen’s last name.

Jack isn’t the best father ever, by any stretch. It’s a learning curve, and there’s a few big stumbles. But he loves that kid so much, and for the first time in his life Owen has an adult and parental figure who listens attentively to what he has to say, who always asks for his opinion before making any choices that affect him, who would kill and die for him, who loves him, unconditionally, and it makes a difference.

So Owen grows up with love and support, and once he hits puberty he’s only a tiny bit nervous to tell his father he’s bi since Jack has been dating people of all genders on and off since he divorced his mother. Owen was consistently suspicious of all of them, and privately thought none of them was good enough for his father, but he never said it. He did want Jack to be happy, after all. None of them last too long, and in the end it’s always just the two of them. Jack seems happy enough with it, so Owen doesn’t worry.

Anyway, his coming out goes great; Jack is so proud he cries a little and he insists on hugging him even longer than usual. (Jack is a hugger, Owen has resigned himself to it.) Owen huffs and doles out the eye-rolls and the ‘it’s-not-a-big-deal’s and ‘oh my god, dad, you’re so embarrassing’ but he’s secretly very pleased. Jack takes him to pride for the first time that very year, and it becomes a yearly tradition.

Owen befriends Ianto Jones by proxy at first: Ianto was in his group of friends and they ended up hanging out together a lot, first in a group and later more one-on-one. He’s alright, even if he is two whole years younger than him and a bit of a nerd. There is one (1) instance when Owen almost got mad at him, when Ianto asked if he’d been adopted (after another mate of his mentioned something about it). But after he’d replied defensively, he realised Ianto wasn’t trying to be mean about it. At all. 

“That must be great, though. You know for sure that your dad wanted you, was willing to fight to keep you.” That’s how Owen found out about Ianto’s not so great home situation.

So they became mates, and soon Owen starts inviting Ianto over.

Now, the problem with being raised by a young, stunningly attractive single parent, of course, is that all his friends are more likely to have a crush on his father than they are to like him that way. Not that Owen fancies Ianto or anything. But it’s weird, Jack is old.

Ianto, like most of Owen’s female friends and some of his guy friends, develops a crush on his father. Fucking hell. The little shit keeps sneaking furtive little glances Jack’s way, and whenever Jack actually addresses him, he smiles beatifically and pretends he’s not the acerbic juvenile delinquent he really is (as if Owen would hang out with him if he was that boring). He perks up whenever Jack is around; smiles all the time. It’s bizarre.

Jack doesn’t notice. Once the initial weirdness wears off, Owen thinks it’s hilarious that his father can’t see through Ianto’s polite, helpful little boy facade. So he doesn’t say anything. He just enjoys the show. It goes like this: Ianto comes over, they hang out for a while. Jack gets home from work, Ianto gets starry eyed and promptly becomes this alien perfectly-behaved A-student right in front of Owen’s very amused eyes. Ianto’s crush goes right over Jack’s head the entire time. Owen gets to laugh at Ianto being flustered and/or pretending to have perfect manners, and Ianto gets whatever dopamine rush he gets from staring at Jack. Win-win.

They keep in touch when Owen goes to uni and later when Ianto goes to a different one, but they don’t see each other very often and eventually grow distant. Yadda yadda, life happens and eventually they re-connect.

Ianto introduces Owen to a friend of his, Katie, obnoxiously telling her that while he isn’t as hot as his father, he’ll do. (Katie fully believes he’s joking until Owen brings her home to meet Jack. She still thinks Owen is hotter, but she can see what Ianto meant, certainly. “That’s love for you,” Ianto laments. “It blinds you.” Owen pretends to be offended.)

The thing is, Owen falls head-over-heels with Katie. He’s absolutely gone on her, and after discussing it a little to make sure she’s on the same page as him, he pops the question. Ianto is, of course, invited to the wedding.

So that’s how we get to 25-year-old Ianto seeing early-to-mid 40s Jack again for the first time in almost a decade. For the first time ever, Jack sees him right back.

Understandably, Jack feels a little guilty about noticing how nicely his son’s younger friend looks in a suit, but there’s no harm in looking, right? The ceremony is lovely, Jack cries (and so does Owen, though he glares when anyone mentions it), after which they swiftly move on to the party.

Deep into the night, late enough that the bride and groom have retired to start their honeymoon, Jack is having one more drink as he watches the mostly drunk guests dance and toast to the happy couple. He’s feeling old and maudlin and so happy for his son that his chest could burst, when Ianto makes his move.

Talking leads to snogging leads Ianto pushing Jack up against an out-of the-way wall and whispering all the dirty things he’d like to do to him in that sinful Welsh accent leads to them falling in bed together at Jack’s hotel room and staying there for the next several hours (not all of them spent awake).

Jack, having had no clue that Ianto had harbored an intense teenage crush on him and had been dreaming about this for literal years, figured it was just a one-night-thing brought about by loneliness or boredom.

The morning after, however, Ianto formally asks him out.

Jack protests (only a little, and with no real force behind it) that he’s almost twice Ianto’s age, surely he can’t mean to actually date him. Ianto assures him that he does.

They go out to have a very late brunch. It’s their first official date, and Jack has more fun than he’s had in years. Ianto, who’d only thought of Jack infrequently if still fondly during the years he hadn’t seen him, is positively giddy. Turns out seeing Jack again was all it took for the attraction to come roaring back. But now he can really get to know Jack as an adult, beyond the fantasies he made up as a hormonal teen. The real man holds up surprisingly well against the fantasy. 

Ianto confesses his teenage crush, confesses that he wondered what Jack might look like after all these years when he realised he’d be seeing him again at the wedding, but he never in a million years had expected Jack to somehow look even more delectable than he had back then. (Jack doesn’t blush, but he wants to. They end up right back in his hotel bed once they’re done with brunch.)

Truth is, Jack hadn’t expected it to last, not really. He’d hoped to have some fun with a gorgeous young man before said man got bored and moved on without him. He didn’t expect to fall in love. He certainly didn’t expect, wouldn’t have believed that sleepy morning when he’d woken up in the arms of a warm, sleep-soft Welshman who asked to take him out on a proper date, that a man young enough to be his son and handsome enough to have his choice of partner would be falling in love with him.

Owen choked on his own laughter when Jack told him Ianto had taken him out on that first date. “I cannot believe it. He did it. He actually did it. The absolute mad lad. It only took him a decade, but he did it. That crazy motherfucker. Fatherfucker. Oh my god, fatherfucker.” Then he started cackling again. Jack was too relieved he wasn’t upset about it to be offended. Despite Ianto’s reassurances that there had never been anything other than strictly platonic friendship between him and Owen, Jack still had the tiniest of worries that Owen might have harbored a crush on Ianto back in his teens. He’d invited Ianto more often than any of his other friends, and the atmosphere had always been different with him, though Jack had never managed to put his finger on how, back then.

Owen laughed even harder when Jack carefully broached the subject. “Are you kidding me? He was too busy ogling you to ever notice me, thank Christ. Would have been awkward if he did, I always saw him more as a little brother, really.” Well, didn’t that make Jack feel supremely awkward. His son saw his latest lover as a little brother. Weird, even by Jack’s standards. At least Ianto’s teenage crush confession was true. Still a bit weird, but flattering, now that that kid had grown into a gorgeous young man who still found Jack 'disarmingly attractive’ (his words).

“Of course you have my blessings,” Owen griped good-naturedly when Ianto called to ask. In retrospect, calling him during his honeymoon with the woman he loved who he’d only met because Ianto had introduced them had been a good tactical decision. He was feeling charitable towards him, and he was too high on love and sex to begrudge Ianto this.

“Thank you. You can call me ‘Tad’ if you want,” Ianto countered, because he was still a little shit with a sarcastic streak a mile wide and a penchant for annoying Owen even when he was technically begging for his blessing to date Owen’s father.

“Fuck off,” Owen told him, but there was no bite to it, he sounded amused if anything, and Ianto knew then that Owen had meant it.

“Of course. I won’t rush you. I can wait until it feels organic, son.”

Owen hung up on him. Less than a minute later, Ianto got a text message that said. ‘If you break his heart, I’ll kick your arse xoxo’. He sent back a string of heart emojis.

A year and a half later, Ianto called Owen to tell him he was planning to propose. Owen demanded to be his best man.

The year Owen turned thirty-one, Jack and Ianto adopted two siblings (a little boy and a baby girl). They named Owen their godfather (yes, both of them).

That day, as Owen was asked to sign the papers that would legally make him the children’s guardian in case anything happened to their fathers, he remembered the day he met Jack, when his mother had brought him over for the first time. He remembered, a bit blurry due to time, the talks Jack and his mother had had with him when they were in the process of splitting up, how Jack had fought to convince them both that he should be the one to raise Owen. He recalled, like a much-beloved photograph he took out to stare at when he needed it, the well-worn memory of walking into their new house for the first time, and realising that it was real, that Jack really did mean to adopt him, that he’d really be living with him from then on; that Jack really wanted him. He remembered all the times Jack had told him that family wasn’t blood, family was love, and trust, and commitment. And he remembered, with perfect, stunning clarity, a 15-year-old Ianto telling him he’d like to adopt when he was older, even if he ended up with someone who could get pregnant.

He also remembered a 15-year-old Ianto making heart eyes at his father in their living-room while Owen struggled not to laugh at him, and really, one had to respect a man who stuck to his convictions. Ianto certainly knew what he wanted and put in the work to get it.

At least he was pretty sure he could trust Ianto with Jack’s heart.

(Epilogue:

Because Ianto has a terrible sense of humour, he spends an entire summer calling Owen ‘son’ and ‘kid’ and ‘sport’. Owen makes a face the first couple of times, but he’s brought around pretty quickly between 1) the way Katie laughs whenever Ianto does this, and 2) the bewildered looks it gets them whenever someone hears it, because not only is Ianto younger than Owen, he also looks it. It makes for interesting situations.

So rather than be annoyed, Owen starts to enjoy it. He decides to lean into it, starts calling Ianto ‘tad’ and ‘dad’ and ‘father’, and one memorable time ‘the man who literally birthed me’. Katie chokes on her drink and laughs so hard her abdomen hurts for the next day. Jack actually falls off his chair laughing. Ianto looks like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, the little shit.

And they were a loving family who were disgustingly happy for the rest of their lives and never had tragedy befall them, not even once, the end.)

[wallywrites]

colored-rain asked:

Hey! Can you do "dont leave" or "youre my everything" with wolfstar? Ty♡♡

Thanks for the request!! I love this idea already!! I love both these prompts too so why not use both! Sorry it took so long! Been super busy with uni assignments but here it is!

Prompt #21 “don’t leave” and prompt #39 “you’re my everything” from my prompt list! If you want to suggest any prompts check out my list here! :)

Initially I had this really angsty idea in mind since the last wolfstar fic I wrote (still haven’t finished that one oops) was super sad and angsty but after finishing three assignments in the last couple of days I just wanted some cute fluff so here’s my attempt at that! (Still a little angst though)

(Repost because my fic was long and Tumblr decided to delete my “keep reading” bar and won’t let me edit on my laptop because I posted it on my phone, and I HATE that I don’t have one so I’m reposting it so it doesn’t annoy me because I don’t know how to fix it)

Read on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26232955 

✨Wolfstar au✨

Full moons were always bad. But at least Remus didn’t have to spend them alone anymore. Even though he never really remembered what happens during the night, only flashes and glimpses of images through his nightmares, he knew that he was safe, that others would be safe, too. That Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs would make sure nothing bad could happen.

But they couldn’t stop the inevitable, and sometimes, like last night, things got a little too out of hand. The moon was bigger than usual, Remus was already feeling angsty and sore days before he was meant to shift, more intense than he usually does. He knew something big was coming, didn’t want to worry the others, should have worried the others.

Instead he pretended he was fine, until he wasn’t. Until he shifted and claws ripped at his skin and teeth bit at his friends, and then he was alone. The rest of the marauders didn’t even know how he managed to get away, spent the whole night looking for him, worried, Prongs still limping slightly from where Moony had latched his jaw into the others leg. Padfoot didn’t stop looking, didn’t stop running and sniffing and tracking, even when the others needed a break, even long after they decided to split up, to track more ground that way.

And then the sun began to rise, and the worry turned into fear. Remus had spent practically the whole full moon alone, and god knows what could have happened without the others there to distract him, to keep him from hurting himself or anyone else.

And then the scent of blood caused Sirius to stop dead in his tracks, his legs pushing himself harder and faster than he had pushed before, because blood was never a good sign, and the sun was practically up and Moony was alone and-

There he was. Lying cold, naked, shaking at the bottom of a ditch, more blood than Sirius had ever seen before. Sirius didn’t even realise that he had shifted back until he saw his hands, reaching out to gently pull Remus’ very cold very scarred very bloody body closer, pulling his own jacked off to drape it around his shoulders, trying to heat up his body. It was bad, so much worse than they’ve had before, nasty wounds drawn long across his chest and stomach, another smaller one across his forehead.

And he couldn’t help but think that this was all his fault. If he didn’t loose Remus, if he had been paying attention, if he had realised how big the moon was earlier and how bad it was going to get-

He didn’t remember making his way back to the castle, Remus floating above him from the levitation spell he must have used. Didn’t remember when he found the other Marauders either, didn’t remember waiting and waiting and waiting for Madame Pomfrey to finish healing their friend.

He did however remember the fear that Madame Pomfrey let into her expressions the brief moment before she moved Remus to a hospital bed and started the healing.

Everything happened in a blur, until he snapped out of the daze he was in, his eyes fixated on Remus, lying cold and still in the hospital bed. He hadn’t even realised he was crying until he glanced down, noticing his forearm covered in tears.

“-Pads?”

He looked up for the first time, blinking a couple of times as he looked towards James, who stood, eyebrows furrowed, hand resting on Sirius’ shoulder - when did that get there?

“You alright? You spaced out?”

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked what happened? You kind of haven’t spoken since we found you two”

A sigh escaped Sirius as he looked back towards Remus, watching his chest rise and fall, the only thing keeping him from completely falling apart. He tried to think, of what actually happened, but his mind kept wandering, jumping from moment to moment, nothing making any sense. He groaned out as he closed his eyes, rubbing his hand down his face. James waited patiently, not really understanding what was happening, but he knew Sirius, he knew how he acted when they had a particular bad moon, knew that stress and worry can cause his brain to get a little muddled. The same thing happened when Sirius first moved in with the Potters, and James was more observant than he would admit.

And so he drew his hand back and waited as Sirius sighed again, leaning back in his seat, his eyes still trained on Remus.

“It’s all messy, I don’t know, I just..” the image of Remus’ body lying in the ditch came back into Sirius’ mind, causing a shiver to run through him. Out of all the memories and thoughts and images, that was the only one he really could make out, the one he really didn’t want to remember.

Because it hurt. It hurt more than he thought it would, more than he would ever admit. And he didn’t know why. Of course he cares about Remus, he’s cared and worried and stressed about him the day they met, even more the day he found out what happens on a full moon. Remus was one of his best friends, so it makes sense that he was worried, that he was concerned and upset. But it didn’t explain the strange feeling he was getting in his chest, his stomach, his gut. Didn’t explain why his head hurt and his legs couldn’t stop moving and his mind couldn’t stop racing and he couldn’t stop thinking all the worst things he could possibly be thinking and Merlin what if it’s too late and what if he doesn’t make it and what if he never knows how much he means to me and how much I need him and that I love him and-

Sirius physically flinched at the realisation, the words hitting him as hard as he hit the wall he accidentally flew into one day at practice.

“Pads? What is it?” James asked, moving closer as Sirius’ whole body began to shake. He loved Remus. He was in love with Remus fucking Lupin and oh god it made so much sense, so much that he didn’t know how he couldn’t see it before. He was always wanting to be close to Remus, wanting to hear his voice and make him smile and god he was handsome, and sure, he always wondered what it would feel like to hold him and kiss him, and now he knew why.

He started crying again, couldn’t tell when it started, and when he looked to James, the tears kept coming, because he loved Remus, and Remus was hurt, and he was cold and he was bleeding and scarred and Sirius wanted to hold him and tell him it’s going to be okay and tell him that he loves him and what if he doesn’t wake up? What if it’s too late?

“I think love him, James. And I didn’t realise until I saw him- until he.. what if I never get the chance to tell him?”

James was shocked to say the least. Love was a strange topic to Sirius. Sure, he loved a lot of things, in his own way. He loved his friends, loved the Potters, he loved quidditch and pissing Severus off. But love was hard for Sirius, they had his parents to thank for that. It took time for Sirius to even admit that he deeply cared about the other marauders. It was such a foreign concept to Sirius that often times he doesn’t know how he felt, or wouldn’t believe that someone could love him, that he could love someone.

Love was hard for Sirius. But to be in love with someone? James often worried that it would never happen, not because he’s not capable of it, but because he believed Sirius would ignore it, wouldn’t let him feel those things, would push those feelings far away until he forgot about them.

But instead of asking questions and fussing over Sirius being in love, Sirius being in love with a boy, Sirius being in love with Remus, he shook his head, knowing exactly what Sirius is thinking, exactly what he would be freaking out about.

“No, stop that. He’s going to wake up, and then you can tell him how much you love him, okay?”

James had time to question Sirius later, but now he needed to be there for his friend, his brother. Because he knew love, and he knew loss, and he knew Sirius, and he knew he needed to help, to calm him down.

“He’s hurt real bad James-“ he could hear the hurt, the pain in Sirius’ voice, and wondered how he never noticed before, how he always seemed to get worked up and upset whenever they had a particularly bad moon, more so than the others, even when they know he’s safe and going to be okay.

“He’s always hurt bad, and then he wakes up and then he’s fine. He’s going to be okay. Come on, Sirius he’s stronger than all of us combined.” It wasn’t a lie. The moment they found out about Remus’ lycanthropy, James knew he was stronger than anyone he had met, than all of them.

Sirius still wasn’t convinced. They had never had one this bad, and he still couldn’t shake the image out of his head. James watched for a moment as Sirius looked back towards Remus, still asleep, chest rising and falling, shallow but steady, thanks to the professor. She always knew what to do, how to heal Remus, make sure he got better, and they were beyond thankful for that. She even let them stay by his side until he woke up, not that they were technically allowed. Never questioned them either, though they all know she must wonder how the three of them manage to find and bring Remus back after a full moon. She had her guesses, of course, but never questioned them on it, which they were thankful for.

And she always made him better, they knew that, this was no different, but then Sirius started to shake again, because he was so pale, and he was cold and hurt and his skin was already starting to bruise up around the scars and the scars, Merlin the scars were so big and-

James noticed that Sirius started to spiral again, could see the way his brows furrowed and his eyes turned glossy due to more tears threatening to spill. He knew that his mind ad started to race again, so he placed his hand back on his brothers shoulder, and spoke as softly as he could, as calm as he ever had.

“Hey, you’ll get your chance to tell him. I promise you.”

Sirius took a deep breath, calming down slightly, but his legs still bounced under him. And James watched as he just sat, eyes never leaving Remus’ body. Sirius didn’t speak, instead lent forward in his chair, his elbows resting on the bed, next to where Remus laid. And they stayed like that for a while, James’ hand resting on Sirius’ shoulder, his eyes moving between two of his best friends, both broken and hurt and exhausted in different ways. Sirius leaning on the hospital bed, eyes never pulling away from the rise and fall of Remus’ chest, scared that if he looked away, the breathing would stop.

And James knew what he had to do, what Sirius had to do. He didn’t want to leave, but he knew Sirius needed time to think, needed time to just be with Remus, so he moved closer, giving Sirius’ shoulder a small squeeze as he spoke.

“Hey.. I’m gonna give you guys some room, maybe you can think about what you’re going to say when he wakes up?”

Sirius just nodded, a good sign that he wasn’t completely stuck in his head. James pulled back to leave, but he paused, looking back towards Sirius, unmoved, legs still bouncing and body still shaking.

“Hey, uh.. thanks for telling me. You know you can always trust me with that stuff, right?”

Sirius turned his eyes away from Remus for the first time, his eyes finding James, as he nodded, a small smile making it’s way onto his face. Sirius was truly grateful for James, who always let him be himself, who he trusted with everything. “I know.”

“And after this I’m gonna have a hell of a lot of questions to ask you-“

Sirius couldn’t help the chuckle that left him, shaking his head slightly at his friend. “Yeah, yeah I know. I’ll answer all your questions.”

Sirius knew he would have to tell James everything after this, explain everything, including what he still didn’t quite know or understand yet. And if he wasn’t so shaken up or upset still, he might even had been excited to talk to James about it, to laugh with him as they realise how ridiculous he had been, never realising what his feelings had meant. Might’ve even been excited to gossip like normal teenagers do, about Remus and Lily and the absurd amount of pining they’re bound to endure.

James just smiled, nodding his head, before pausing for a moment. And the smile never faltered when he spoke.

“I’m proud of you, you know.”

Those words meant more to Sirius than any words he’s ever heard before. Any time James, or the Potters, or Remus or Peter would tell him that they’re proud, his body would heat up, warmth running through his chest and to his stomach. He didn’t even realise how different this conversation would have been if it was with anyone else, because admittedly he had just come out to his best friend, something that he knows isn’t very accepted, couldn’t even imagine the reaction his parents would have to the idea of their son being in love with a boy, but he was happy that he felt safe enough to do that here. Because James really was his family, really meant a lot to him. And he couldn’t help the smile that made its way to his face at his brothers words.

“Thanks prongs.”

“Give Moons a kiss for me.”

And then James was gone, and Sirius was back to staring at Remus. A long sign escaped him, one he didn’t realise he had been holding, didn’t realise it needed to get out. He reached out, leaning his elbows back where they were, but he paused, his eye drifting to Remus’ hand, lying by his body. Sirius had always wondered what it would feel like to hold his hand. He thought it was ridiculous, that he sounded so sappy, but he didn’t try to stop himself as he reached out, tangling his fingers with Remus’, who was still cold, sending a shiver up Sirius’ arm.

He pulled Remus’ arm towards him gently, placing a kiss on the back of his hand, before resting both arms back down onto the bed, his thumb rubbing over were his lips had touched.

And he sat, and he thought, about what he was going to say. God what was he going to say? And how was he going to say it? What would Remus say? Would he even be okay with it?

He couldn’t imagine Remus ever hating him over the fact that he loved him. Remus probably wouldn’t care that Sirius liked boys either, but would he love him back? Did he love him back? And then Sirius started to panic, because what if he doesn’t? What even would I say? How am I meant to tell Remus that I’m in love with him, and the thought of him gone makes me want to die? That I want to be with him forever, and that I hate when we’re apart, and Christ what am I going to say?

But then he paused, and the worry flooded back to him. He didn’t care what he was going to say, as long as he got to say it. As long as Remus was okay. And he let his eyes wander back over his body, and he could already feel the tears. And then suddenly, the quiet was too much, too suffocating, so he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, before he spoke, spilling out all his feelings as best as he could.

“I’m so sorry, Moons. Christ, please be okay. Please wake up Moony..” he spoke, hoping that he could make some sense of what he was feeling. He opened his eyes, focusing on their hands together, before taking a deep breath and continuing.

“I’m so sorry I never told you, that I love you.. I didn’t know.. I didn’t realise I loved you.. I always knew I felt differently about you, but I didn’t.. I was scared, Moons, of a lot of things, but.. seeing you like this.. I can’t imagine never being able to tell you how I feel..”

His eyes were closed again, and he really didn’t want to cry more, so he took another deep breath, his chest shaking, his legs shaking, his hands shaking, and he focused on Remus’ hand within his own. The feeling of their fingers being wrapped up together, the heat from his own body warming up Remus’, which calmed him down. Because he wanted Remus to be warm, to be safe and healthy and okay. He wanted Remus to be okay, because he needed Remus. He needed Remus more than he thought he would ever need anyone.

“Merlin, you’re my everything, Remus. I need you, please wake up.”

And Sirius didn’t know when he realised that Remus was awake, staring at him, tears in his eyes. He didn’t even realise he was staring back, shocked, confused, concerned, until Remus squeezed at his hand, bringing him back from whatever frozen state he was in.

“Merlin Remus” he said simply, dropping down as close to Remus as he could without hurting his wounds, wrapping his arms around his shoulders at an uncomfortable angle to hug him. He didn’t care, Remus was awake, he was okay.. and he might have heard the confession Sirius had made.. and he knows, god he knows.

Sirius didn’t want to pull away, one because he loved the feeling of Remus’ arms wrapped around his back, but also because then Remus would see how red his face is, and then he’d have to face the fact that he unknowingly and unintentionally confessed his feelings to his best friend.

And Sirius’ mind was rambling, trying to think of what to say, or what to do, a million thoughts rushing through his head and around his skull. He was going to get a headache later, already felt it coming along, but he couldn’t possibly worry about that with his heart pounding so loudly in his chest against his rib cage, Moony pressed so closely to his body.

And then Remus’ breath on his ear caused him to freeze, suddenly every thought and sound whirling around in his skull gone as he listened.

“I love you too, Pads.”

Sirius didn’t mean to pull away as fast as he did, but as soon as he saw the calm look on Remus’ face, the sparkle in his eye, he instantly relaxed, even let out a small laugh, eyebrows furrowing together, causing Remus’ smile to grow.

“So you heard all of that?”

Remus laughed out, winching slightly, but his smile never faulted. “Bits and pieces. But I got the gist of it.”

Sirius placed his hands on either side of Remus’ face, careful not to touch any of his healing wounds, and he couldn’t help but smile, warmth pooling throughout his body, because he was holding Remus, and Remus was holding him, and he loved Remus, and Remus loved him.

“I was so scared, Moons.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Sirius chuckled at that, shaking his head. Only Remus would apologise for something that he had no control over. The other marauders have had to tell Remus to stop saying he was sorry on multiple occasions, had explained to him they they know it’s not his fault, that they don’t blame him for anything, would never blame him for anything. That they’re scared and worried because they care, that it’s not his fault. Remus tired to believe them, but the words “I’m sorry” just seemed to slip off his tongue so naturally that he could never really help it.

“No, don’t be sorry. You don’t have to be sorry.”

And he meant it. He didn’t want Remus to ever feel like he had to be sorry, like he was doing something wrong. Because he wasn’t. Sirius thought that Remus shouldn’t ever apologise for anything, because really there isn’t anything Remus could do that would make Sirius want an apology.

They didn’t move, didn’t speak for a while, instead all they did was look to each other. Sirius couldn’t really tell what he was feeling, nor did he completely understand Remus’ expression, but he didn’t want to ask, wanted to just stare a little longer. So he let his eyes move over his face, leaving his eyes and moving across his scars and freckles, and down to his lips. Christ Sirius wanted to kiss him. To finally find out what Remus’ lips would feel like against his own. And it seemed like Remus was reading his mind when he spoke.

“Merlin, Sirius just kiss me already-“

And that’s all Sirius needed before he pushed himself closer, his hands holding Remus’ face as he kissed him. Remus’ arms tightened around Sirius’ back, and Sirius could feel him smile as he kissed him, leaning his body closer, wanting to be closer and closer and closer.

He ran his tongue over Remus’ bottom lip, which Remus returned with a moan, letting him in almost instantly as Sirius’ hands moved up to tangle themselves in his hair. A part of Remus thought he was still dreaming, that this wasn’t happening, that Sirius wasn’t here, kissing him, tugging at his hair, but then Sirius would moan, reminding Remus that this was very much real, that this was very much happening. That just made him want to squeal.

But they were both exhausted, so it wasn’t long before they pulled apart, not really wanting to, but knowing that they probably should. That they would have time to do more of that later.

The two of them couldn’t help but laugh, Sirius leaning his forehead on Remus’, a sigh of relief leaving both of them, a sign that both boys had wanted this for a while, despite Sirius only realising it moments before. Remus shook his head slightly, his smile never fading as he spoke.

“You wouldn’t believe how long I’ve waited for that.”

Sirius felt warm, his whole body tingling at the idea of Remus wanting to kiss Sirius, of Remus waiting for the moment. That thought made Sirius’ face blush red, his cheeks beginning to ache from the grin he didn’t notice having, which refused to leave his expression.

Sirius wanted to be closer to Remus, to hold him and kiss him, the thought itself getting him excited, but as he pulled away slightly, Remus froze, his grip around Sirius’ back tightening as he closed his eyes.

“Don’t-, don’t leave, please.”

Sirius couldn’t help but chuckle, leaving being the last thing on his mind. So he lent down again, catching Remus’ lips in another kiss before pulling back slightly, not as far as before. He pushed himself up onto the bed, Remus moving slightly to the side as he helped Sirius under the covers. Sirius laid down, his arms wrapping around Remus, whose body was now warm, pulling his body into his own. Remus sighed out again, his body shaking slightly as Sirius placed a kiss to his forehead, closing his own eyes before speaking.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

[ihavenocluedude]

The two awkward fools

Chapter 3. His choice

Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (AOS) x OFC

Chapter 1     Chapter 2

A/N: Okay so... I said I’d post it in a few hours on monday... Yikes. I did post it on AO3 this wednesday (it’s literally just copy and paste on there) it’s just basically much easier to do this whole thing there but like I wanna post it on here too. So uhm... I’m moving these next 2 days, because of uni. I’m really excited but as I’m probably going to be a bit busy I don’t know how much I’ll write. I will however say that I’ve started an Agent Whiskey x reader... So yup... :)

Word Count: 1266

The amount of reparations McCoy had wanted the trusted engineers to perform were apparently… a lot and quite troublesome as well, so much so that Scotty and Jen had to return the next day. It was in these moments that Max started wondering if McCoy just left reparations that were needed to the very last second, as if he waited for at least three things to break before calling the engineers. Sure McCoy wasn’t one to waste the medical equipment he had but he obviously didn’t want engineers running around the place all the time? 

However all of this was just a theory in Max’s head, trying to distract herself when she sat by Jen and Scott as they repaired the equipment. It had been very slow in the medical bay lately, McCoy had most of the small situations under control, and if not there were other doctors and she could simply sit there waiting for McCoy to call her through her communicator, to tell her that there had been some big accident, several limbs lost and everything. 

Throughout the reparations Max had sat there looking at the two engineers, maybe mostly at Scotty. She had seen Jen fix things before, Jen had fixed, upgraded or repaired her replicator way too many times for Max not to have seen her fix something. Scotty’s engineer ways didn’t seem that different from Jen’s however he seemed to mostly supervise Jen and make sure she knew what she was doing. Scotty was also intermittenly messaged by the other engineers, sometimes small things but eventually it seemed that a few larger incidents that needed to be taken care of. Still he wasn’t leaving Jen and Max, not running to the next situation.

“Scotty, you can go if you want? I’m sure Jen’ll do fine.” Max told him, starting to feel guilty for not only taking her engineer friend’s attention away from perhaps bigger things but now also the chief engineer’s attention. Scotty almost wished he had told her to call him Monty yesterday. Sure it’d almost be a new thing for him, he wasn’t really used to the nickname except from when he’s back home. And well… considering all the alone time with Keenser out in the cold on Delta Vega for way too long. And then beaming to the Enterprise with Kirk, basically inventing (being gifted) the transwarp beaming equation. And after all of that getting out on new adventures with the Enterprise. It had simply been a long time since he’d been called Monty. And to maybe hear it from her? 

“Nae, I can’ jus’ leave ya.” The scotsman claimed, his denial truly truly wasn’t about the way he felt when he caught Max’s eyes on him and the way he had sort of avoided her throughout the week. But now couldn’t resist sitting there just a small distance from her. Scotty wouldn’t really admit it to himself but he found himself drawn to the woman that was as she said ‘just a few years younger than you’. Which intimidated him, he hadn’t truly sought out companionship for the following years on the enterprise but there she was. Sure he had doubts about the whole thing and he wouldn’t ever believe it if she had the same feelings towards him. The thought itself felt absurd to even think about. 

“Scotty, it’s okay, I swear. You clearly have more important things to handle.” Max told him when his communicator called for him again “I won’t hold it against you y’know, you’re the chief engineer. I shouldn’t be keeping you here stuck with me and the medical bay’s problems.” Max chuckled slightly, scratching her neck, looking down on the ground beside the two engineers, Jen also confirming that it’d all be fine if he left. 

“If ya insist, I’ll jus’ check in later?” Scotty shrugged, gathering the tools he might need but that Jen might not need, wouldn’t want to make them take even more time on the repairs just because of his taking of the tools she might’ve needed. It was probably for the best either way, Scotty had sort of blown off the other engineering staff to help Max’s problem. Max nodded at his small question about checking in later. Mumbling something about the next shift as she looked down at her PADD. “Then I’ll see ya later then…” Scotty trailed off, backing out of the room, opening his communicator to hear who needed him at the moment. 

“So… one of the engineers you trust is Scotty huh?” McCoy teased coming from behind Max out of the office she could’ve sat in during all of this if she hadn’t wanted to observe the repairs the pair of engineers performed. “Didn’t know that you two had gotten so close lately?” He mused with a smirk on his face, clearly sensing how Max had instantly tensed up and rolled her eyes.

“Shut up McCoy.” Max rolled her eyes, putting her hand over her face as she looked at the man who had entered the room. “Everything okay? no medical emergencies or anything?” Max questioned, perhaps trying to change the subject. 

“Yeah yeah, everything is fine. Lieutenant Rogers do you mind telling me what’s going on between my little kiddo doctor and the chief engineer?”

“Well…” Jen paused, laying her tools down momentarily, already seeming slightly flustered by the question  “She’s… well… He’s her type-”

“-Jen!” 

“I’m not lying am I? And he has probably ignored way more important stuff just to hang out over here with our sweet little doctor, ‘supervising’ mostly” Jen chuckled and gesturing quote marks with her fingers around the supervising part before returning to the repairs.

“Okay, well kiddo, don’t break anyone’s heart now.” McCoy almost said sternly, as the true grump he is. As Max processed his sentence she simply shook her head, break anyone’s heart, who did he think she was. Sure they had gotten to know each other a little better during yesterday’s and today’s repair sessions but she barely knew him. And sure he was her type, Jen had been right about that ever since that time they were sat in her quarters drinking that vodka mix, she had even confirmed it even more later that evening. 

--- --- ---

“He is quite cute right? I mean he’s… Sweet? I really liked his eyes…” Her tone dreamy as she looked over at Jen with a big smile before her face fell “-God I can never show myself by engineering again can I?” The vodka mix had been settling in very nicely and given both of the girls quite the buzz.

“Oh please it’s not as if you embarrassed yourself…-wait did you?”

“Well no but… I mean… having feelings towards a lieutenant commander, a superior? That’s baaad, really bad. Isn’t it?” 

“It doesn’t have to- It could be great! You could be really cute together.”

--- --- ---

However Max was afraid that Jen was wrong, it wouldn’t be ‘cute’, it wouldn’t be great and it simply couldn’t be. Fuck Max thought, stop thinking about it, push all thoughts aside and simply breathe, look over the lists on the PADD, check if there’s anything else you can fix while the action at the medical bay is slow. Max’s thoughts didn’t stop however and even if she would deny it extremely to both herself or anyone else, she really was happy that the scotsman had entered her life. Whether it would only be temporarily and then not see each other ever again, or if he was there to stay in her life. It would either way probably be his choice.

Next Chapter

[three-drink-amy]

Sweet Creature

Thanks for the support for this story so far! I really have appreciated the response, especially with the sloooow burn! Can’t wait to see what you think of this chapter! 

chapter one - chapter two - chapter three - chapter four

Chapter Five

Claire was working on some paperwork in her office off the kitchen when Mary walked in. 

“Claire?” She asked in her small voice. 

“What’s up, Mary?” Claire looked up to see her oldest employee standing in her doorway. 

Mary Hawkins was the first person she hired. Ever since the second store had opened, Mary had been working more there. She was the person Claire trusted most to run it. Slowly, they’d started training more people to have management positions and run the stores in efficient and orderly manners but also while keeping up the environment Claire had always wanted at her shop. Since more people were trained, that meant Claire could pull Mary back to work with her a bit more at the original shop. 

“Th-there’s a woman up at the front looking for you,” she informed her. 

“Nice woman or here to yell at me woman?” Claire asked with a grimace. 

“I truly couldn’t tell. She had the energy for both.” Mary shrugged with an apologetic look. 

Claire sighed, putting her pen down on the table. “Well okay then. I’ll go see.” Mary walked behind her as Claire wove through the kitchen. “I would really think that no one could be angry in a bakery. It’s the best place!” 

“I a-a-agree, Claire,” Mary said, her stutter getting stronger as they got closer to the front. 

“It’ll be fine, Mary,” Claire promised. “And if it’s not, I’ll take care of it! You can go back to baking if you want.” 

“Th-thank you. I will then.” Mary abandoned Claire immediately. 

Claire nodded, continuing out to the front. She scanned the seating area for just a moment before she knew who was there to see her. “Well look what the cat dragged in!” 

Jenny laughed, standing up and walking toward Claire. “Tis so good to see ye, Claire.” They hugged each other before standing back and taking the other in. 

“I agree. It’s been too long! I’ve just had to spend time with your silly brother,” Claire joked. 

Jenny laid her hand on Claire’s arm as she laughed again. “And ye have my apologies for certain. I dinna ken why ye choose to spend yer time wi’ him.” 

Claire shrugged. “It’s just habit at this point.” She sat down at the table where Jenny had been sitting. “So what brings you all the way to Glasgow?” 

Jenny sat back down, a grin on her face. “Well the craziest thing happened. Ian had a day off and he told me I could go do whatever I wanted because he wanted to spend time wi’ the bairns by himself. And who was I to pass that up? I can guarantee that after today, I’ll ne’er have this chance again.” 

Claire laughed. “I think that’s sweet. He wants to spend time by himself with them and give you a break at the same time. I think more men should do that.” 

“Please dinna tell him that. He doesna need a bigger head,” Jenny said with a shake of her head. “Anyway, so I thought I’d come to Glasgow and check in on Jamie. And ye.” 

Claire smiled at the woman she’d known for so long. “That’s very sweet of you.” 

“I pretty much only see ye at my home. It’s been too long since I’ve been here,” Jenny noted with a look around the shop. “I also had another motive for comin’ here.” Jenny leaned across the table like she was about to share a secret. 

Claire matched her pose. “What’s that?” 

“I wanted to see what ye could tell me about this new lass Jamie’s after,” Jenny pressed. Claire’s mood fell a bit. She was tired of all talk being on Annalise. “I ken he’s keen on someone. And I ken tis someone he works with. I’m certain ye’ve heard more about her than I have. So spill.” 

She shrugged, leaning back in her chair. “I mean I only hear Jamie’s side of her and if he’s taken with her, he’s only going to see the good in her.” 

Jenny huffed out a sigh. “Well that’s probably right. Have ye met her by chance?” 

“Actually I have,” Claire admitted. “Just once.” 

“Well what’s she like?” Jenny asked. 

“I don’t know why you’re so worried about this girl. You know Jamie never dates anyone for long,” Claire said, voicing her own wishful thinking. 

“I ken that. But what happens when he actually finds someone?” Jenny wondered aloud. “I need to be ready for it. I thought surely something would have happened wi’ ye and my brother by now but that has never happened.” 

Claire gaped at Jenny. There was no way she could know Claire’s feelings. Was it just because they were closer than most male and female friends? 

“Sorry for sayin’ that,” Jenny quickly backtracked. “I just always wondered if it would happen at uni. But it didna. Anyway, back to the new lass. What were yer thoughts on her?” 

Claire rapped her fingers on the table, trying to come up with a diplomatic answer. Any of Jamie’s other friends would be able to give a straightforward answer because they weren’t blinded by their love of him. She sighed. “I saw two sides of her that night,” Claire started. “I saw the side of her that was very sweet and apparently loves my bakery. And then I also saw the side of her that seemed incredibly jealous of the fact that Jamie was there with another woman. I would be willing to bet that the only reason she gave him the push to keep trying to catch her was because of me.” 

Jenny’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Hmmm. I dinna like that. Ye’re a verra important part of Jamie’s life. She canna be jealous of ye. There’s no way Jamie would or could cut ye out.” 

A fear that Claire hadn’t even thought of before struck her heart. What if one day Jamie cuts me out? “Uh-huh,” Claire agreed half heartedly. 

“I guess I really do need to go to Jamie’s work and pop by. I want to meet this lass for myself.” Jenny nodded her head, standing up from the table. 

“Well you can’t leave without something sweet,” Claire insisted. She walked behind the counter and pulled out a box. “What sounds good? On the house!” 

Jenny raised an eyebrow at Claire. “Now how will ye make any money by just giving it away?” 

“I think I can spare a pastry or two,” Claire promised. “Now what do you want?” 

Jenny tapped her finger on her chin as she stared at the glass cabinets. “Well it all looks delicious. Hmmm. Okay, I think I’ll go for the eclair.” 

Claire chuckled. “When I opened this place, Jamie tried to convince me that I should put an “E” on the end of those so they were like my name.” 

“That’d be cute,” Jenny said with a smile. 

“I thought people would just think I was stupid,” Claire admitted. She grabbed two eclairs and put them in the box. 

“Two? I just need one!” 

“Take the other to Jamie,” Claire instructed. “It might make him more forgiving of the fact that you just popped in. Plus they’re his favorite.” 

Jenny stared at Claire for a moment before she nodded. “Alright. That I can do.” Claire brought the box around her and gave her another hug. “Thank ye. ‘Twas really so good to see ye. Make Jamie bring ye to Lallybroch again soon.” 

Claire smiled brightly. “I will. That sounds lovely. Give my best to Ian and the children.” 

“I will,” Jenny said. “And thanks again for the sweets.” They bid each other goodbye and Jenny walked out the door. 

Claire was sitting back in her office a few hours later when her phone rang. Jamie’s face filled the screen. “Hey! What’s up?” she answered. 

“Did ye ken my sister was coming to see me after she saw ye?” he asked without preamble. 

“Uhhh...” 

“So ye did!” Jamie cried. “And yet, ye didna text or call me to give me a heads up?” 

Claire giggled. “To be honest, it didn’t even occur to me. I was at work and got busy with a task. Plus I had a lovely time visiting with your sister so I thought maybe you would too.” 

“Ye ken Jenny’s ways. Ye should have known it would be a nightmare. And worst of all she met Annalise!” 

Claire choked back a laugh. Jenny certainly was a canny woman and found her way around things. Especially when it came to Jamie. “Well maybe you should watch what you tell your sister. You must have intrigued her. And I’m usually the woman you bring home. It’s not like she gets to meet the women you date.” 

“Well aye, for a good reason!” Jamie replied. “She has no sense of boundaries.” 

“Oh come on, how bad could it have been?” Claire asked. 

“Ye ken I’ve been delicately laying the groundwork. And in one meeting, I fear I’ll have to start all over,” Jamie told her. 

Claire rolled her eyes. “Is this much work seriously worth it? It’s just one woman. You’re an attractive, rich man. You’d have women lined up for you if you wanted. Why waste all this energy on her?” 

“Because I want to!” Jamie argued. 

Claire recoiled. “Fine. Sorry. I just don’t think she’s very fair to you. Why make you work so hard just to go on a date? You’d given up for crying out loud. I just don’t get it. I want better for you.” 

Jamie sighed on the other end of the line. “I’m sorry I yelled at ye. I’m just irritated wi’ Jenny. That’s all. I didn’t mean to take it out on ye.” 

Claire nodded before realizing he couldn’t see her. “It’s okay.” 

“Do ye mind if I come by later?” Jamie asked. 

“I’ll probably be here late. I have a catering order for tomorrow morning.” 

“Well if it willna distract ye, I’ll be by.” 

“Sounds good. See you later,” Claire said, hanging up the phone. 

She was standing behind the glass case an hour after closing when Jamie let himself into the bakery. “Hey!” 

“How’s the order coming?” Jamie asked. “Need any help?” 

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’m going to do a pretty standard order. Just looking at the case to mentally plan.” 

“Even though it’s empty?” Jamie wondered. 

“I still know where everything goes.” He nodded his head in acceptance. “So how did the rest of your day go?” Claire asked. 

Jamie shrugged. “Work was fine. How about ye?” 

“Well my highlight was seeing your sister even if yours wasn’t,” Claire confessed. “It has been a while since we’d seen each other. She said I should make you take me to Lallybroch soon.” 

Jamie grinned. “I suppose we could arrange that if ye like.” 

Claire nodded with a smile. “I would like that.” 

“I would too.” 

Claire went back to writing things in her notebook, planning out the order and when she should start each item. Mary was going to come in early tomorrow morning to help her prepare it. The two of them had been excited by the prospect of getting to just bake and not running anything. 

“So I had an idea,” Jamie said, breaking the comfortable silence. Claire looked up and nodded for him to continue. “Of what I could do to fully win over Annalise.” 

Claire fought the urge to roll her eyes or sigh. “Oh?” she replied instead. 

“She seems seriously obsessed wi’ yer bakery. I think she lives near the other store because she often comes in wi’ a Sassenach Sweets bag,” he started. 

“Okay,” Claire said, dragging out the word. 

“I thought it would be nice if I arranged a tour of the place for her. Here. Where it all started.” 

Claire stared at him blankly. “Does she know about the money?” 

Jamie’s brow furrowed. “No. But why does that matter?” 

“Well I guess I was just confused why you were going to give her a tour of my bakery. If she knew the truth about the money, that would make sense why you were doing it,” Claire explained. 

“Oh I wasna going to. I thought you might do it.” He smiled encouragingly. 

Claire stood there silently for a long moment, a quiet rage starting to boil within her. “So you want me to give the girl that you’re trying to date a private tour of my bakery?” 

“Well yeah,” he said, seemingly confused. 

Claire blinked a few times. He didn’t know how she felt, but even with that ignorance, this didn’t add up to her. Claire had already voiced her disdain with Annalise’s behavior. He had to know she wouldn’t really want to do this. She took a deep breath, knowing what she was going to say might lead to a fight. There was just no way of knowing how big it would be. “No.” 

Jamie’s head snapped up to look at her. “What?” 

“I said no,” she repeated, standing her ground. 

“What? Why?” Jamie asked, standing up from his chair. “Why not?” 

“Because this is my bakery and my livelihood and I get to decide what I do with it. And I won’t have you use me as a pawn in your games to get in some woman’s pants!” Claire explained, growing louder and louder. 

“Oh come on, Sassenach. Why won’t ye help me?” 

“Because I’m not doing it this time,” she maintained. She wanted him to just accept it so they could move on and talk about something else.

Jamie looked confused and angry. “Why? Come on, just think about all I’ve done for ye!” 

Suddenly Claire was seeing red. She was heartbroken and furious. She was devastated and murderous. He never mentioned the money. He wasn’t supposed to be one of them. He was the last holdout. Until now. 

“Get out,” she demanded in a low voice. 

“What?” 

“Get the fuck out of my store. Give me your key. Turn around and leave,” she instructed, her voice still menacingly low. 

“Claire, I dinna -”

“Get out!” she finally yelled. “I don’t want you here. I don’t want to see you. Just go. Get out!” 

Jamie looked so confused as he pulled his keys out of his pocket and fumbled to get her key off the ring. “Claire, I -”

“Go.” 

He set the key on the table, still sputtering, trying to settle things. She wouldn’t hear it though. The betrayal was too fresh. Too strong. He stopped at the door before he left. She knew he’d try to get in one last word. Turning, she had her back to him so no conversation could be had. The bell dinged as he opened the door. Once the door shut, she collapsed in a ball, sobbing uncontrollably. Hearing those words from him had been the final crack, splitting her open. She didn’t, couldn’t move as she sobbed for hours on end. Curled in a heap on the floor, that was where Mary found her the next morning.

Next chapter

[lostinroses]

When You’re Ready

A/N: this was originally supposed to be a one shot but i decided to just make it into two parts + i was slowly starting to lose motivation for it and questioned if i should even continue so feedback would be very much appreciated <3 (in-depth version of this btw)

The erased marks on the blank page had been taunting him for the past hour. His hair a mess from the constant tugging his hands had done out of frustration. He flicked the pencil across the room as the urge to break it in half had became almost overwhelming, sitting back in the chair and rubbing his hands against his face. He had hummed the tune stuck in his head for the past week, but couldn’t seem to find the right words to go along with it.

Today was originally supposed to be an off day from the studio, but Shawn couldn’t get himself to stay away. He wanted to get the tune out of him and some words before he forgot, but it seemed useless at this point; he was at a standstill.

Checking the time on his phone, he sighed quietly to himself. Regardless of the long day that awaits you in just a couple of hours, he knew you’d be awake at this time like the night owl that you were. A part of him was hesitant on calling you in case you actually decided for once in your life to go to sleep early, but that thought got a snort out of him and called you anyway, knowing damn well the chances of that were slim to none.

“Hey, what’s up?” you yawned into the phone.

“Fuck, were you sleeping already?” he asked, feeling the guilt slowly rise in his chest. A small noise escaping from your lips as you began to stretch, “On the verge of it, yeah. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, no, everything’s perfectly okay. Don’t even worry about it,” he reassured you in a rush. “Just get some sleep okay? Call me tomorrow.”

“If you even have time tomorrow,” you giggled quietly. The communication between the both of you had been minimal the past couple of weeks as Shawn was deep into the album writing and production of it all. At this point, you didn’t care that it was well past one in the morning when he called. It felt good to finally have him to yourself.

He knew there wasn’t any hurt behind your words, but the guilt grew inside him nonetheless. He didn’t mean to be pushing you to the side so much, but you knew that. You never took any of it to heart.

“Hey,” you called out softly, “you still there?” It was nothing new for him to be getting lost in his thoughts like that out of nowhere, but it only brought you worry, especially with his calling so late.

He chuckled dryly, “M’still here. Just thinking.”

You sighed, “Where’s your head at, huh? You sure you’re okay?” Your voice was soft, and it calmed him.

“I just need you to talk. That’s it,” his voice was desperate, begging almost. “Tell me something. Anything.”

You wondered if he was on the verge, or in the middle, of an anxiety attack with the way he was talking, but decided not to question him in case it only made him panic more. There was a moment of silence as you tried to think of what to say, but had suddenly forgot every single thing going on in your life right now.

“My professor lost my exam,” you huffed after what felt like hours of silence. “He’s letting me redo it for homework, but it’s still a shitload of math that I was hoping I wouldn’t have to go through again until the final.”

“The one you had stayed up all night studying for?” he asked in disbelief.

Despite your frustration, he couldn’t help, but smile as you began to ramble on about your classes, his heart warm as he began to imagine what it’d be like to go to university, too. Usually, sadness and a feeling of missing out would overcome him, but the way you described things made him feel like he had been part of it, living your uni life.

The party stories were his favorite. Although you weren’t much of a party person, it amused him to hear about all your awkward moments you seem to have at every party you attend. He longed for a time where he could go to a party with his friends without being recognized, wanting to stop having to make up a random name for himself when he’d talk to girls. A part of him was almost envious at everyone’s normalcy.

But then, he remembered the purpose of this conversation and felt a sense of gratitude, all the while trying to zone back in and catch on to what you were saying.

“I know I haven’t given him a chance, but I just really am not interested in him,” you continued to ramble, causing him to furrow his brows.

“Interested in who?” he questioned.

You sighed, “Were you even listening at all? To anything?”

Rubbing the side of his face, he let out a small groan as he apologized for his zoning out, “I swear I was at first, but I just got a little lost. Can you say that again?”

“Guy in one of my classes. Asked me to hang out sometime. Gave me his number a couple days ago. Still haven’t texted him. No interest in him whatsoever,” you shortened the last five minutes into less than ten seconds.

“I mean, the least you could do is text the guy and tell him you’re not interested,” he suggested. There was a sort of stressful tension radiating from your end of the phone that made him confused.

“But what if I accidentally pass up the opportunity at love?” you argued.

“Give the guy a chance then. Just one hangout and see how it goes.”

“Okay, but what if it’s just a waste of time, and I’m disappointed in the end?” you argued, again, seemingly more with yourself than with Shawn. He chuckled at your indecisiveness, “Stop doing that! You question yourself too much.”

“I don’t know, dude. It’s just scary,” you tried to brush off the topic, but there was a nervousness in your voice that he caught onto quickly.

“What’s scary?” he wondered before you could change the subject. The thought had been haunting your mind the past couple of weeks, but you did everything in your power to push it to the back of your mind, not expecting to be faced with the option of having to say it out loud or lie and quickly change the subject. But it’s Shawn. Even if you could avoid it now, he’d find a way to bring it up again until he got his way and got it out of you like the little shit that he was.

“I don’t know… love?” You felt silly saying it out loud and instantly regretted opening your mouth, but still, you continued, in a much softer and more distant voice, “I’m scared to be one of those people that just never finds love.”

“You know, I read an article a couple weeks ago about these people who had never found love,” you recalled, “They were well into their 50s and were still single and had never been married.”

The more you continued to talk about it, the bigger the ache in your chest grew, but it’s like your mouth was on autopilot, and your brain had completely checked out.

“They never found love, Shawn!” you shout in sudden distress. “They never found love because the universe doesn’t owe you a damn thing, including love.” The shakiness in your voice made it clear you were on the verge of tears, making his heart sink deeper than it had already.

“Then, me and you will just be together. Fuck the universe,” he lightly joked in attempt to get you out of your own head. You chuckled, and he smiled.

“I don’t think I’m ready for you and your superstar life,” you sniffled. Your nose crinkled at the thought of you ever dating Shawn. It’d be a lie to say you wouldn’t look cute together, but it was just weird to imagine.

“Well,” he breathed out, “when you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”

You snorted, “You’ll be waiting for like ten years, so don’t hold your breath.” The way he continued with the idea started to make you question if he was still actually joking, or if he was being serious.

“Oh I’ll be around. You’ll see.” You could hear the smile in his voice, leaving you even more confused, but didn’t press on the subject. It’s probably nothing.

Leaving it at that, you proceeded to bid him goodnight, reminding him of the time and how busy of a day you have in a couple hours.

“Get some sleep, okay? Put that brain of yours to rest,” you urged him.

He scoffed, “Look who’s talking! You’re the one who just went through a love crisis. You put your brain to rest.”

You waved him off, once again wishing him goodnight and hanging up the phone. The second the call ended, he sprang to action, running across the room to where he threw his pencil and went straight back to writing.

All you did was blink, and suddenly, it’s the night of May 24th. Despite the album’s planned date of May 25th, it had came out just a couple hours earlier for you than for most people. Having your laptop open and ready for Shawn’s FaceTime call, you tried to keep yourself busy with some homework, but couldn’t bring yourself to focus, wanting so badly to listen to what your best friend had been working on for almost a year.

No matter how many times you begged him to give you just a snippet of some of the songs, he wouldn’t budge. You were offended after having found out everyone else had listened to the album except for you. Remembering that exact moment of discovery had caused you to grow irritated again, despite you already forgiving him for leaving you out, and had begun to argue with the Shawn in your head, but was interrupted by the sound you had anticipated since the moment you woke up in the morning.

Quickly answering his call, a huge smile formed on your face as he popped up on the screen of your laptop.

“Oh my god, I’m so excited!” you squealed, finger hovering over the play button for Like To Be You, having been ready and prepared since the album was released.

“Good morning to you, too,” he said with a raspy voice and a sleepy lopsided smile.

“I thought you had been awake since the album dropped,” your fingers danced over your phone. As much as you love talking to Shawn, you didn’t care to hear about anything else at the moment. The wait was killing you.

“It was a late shooting last night, and then, Rita and her crew were hanging out with us for a bit, so I didn’t really get much sleep,” he explained as you nodded at him. Your lack of response caused him to chuckle.

“Alright, press play.”

With every song passing, the more his nerves grew, and he didn’t know why. It had took everything in him to hide When You’re Ready from you, wanting to know what you thought about it, but decided to hold off until the whole album was released. But now he didn’t want you to listen to the song at all. Having been really good friends for a while, he was unsure of how you would take it. Maybe you’d get offended for using your fear as inspiration for a song? Or maybe it’d turn into a really awkward “I just don’t see you in that way” conversation despite his lack of interest in you as well? Or maybe you did see him in that way. Fuck, what if she gets hurt if I have to turn her down? he thought.

Anxiety had begun to rise up inside of him, and he wished someone would come in his room and tell him he has a last minute schedule change, but he grew hopeless of that happening as he heard the familiar sound of the piano keys of Perfectly Wrong.

“Ah fuck, I already know this is the one I’m gonna listen to when I need a good cry.” Snapping out of his thoughts, he snorted at the worry lines forming on your forehead.

“The last song better not break my heart as much as this one, you asshole,” you clutched your chest as you slouched in your seat. He swears your eyes become glossy, but doesn’t bother pointing it out.

The last note of the song caused him to feel like his heart was gonna fall out of his ass. He wouldn’t be surprised if you could hear his heart beating out of his chest.

A small smile had formed on your face as the humming began; it eased his nerves a little. A smile of his own had grown as he noticed the dazed look on your face, almost as if you had gone to your own little dream world.

He noticed the way your smile faltered in the middle of the chorus, and his heart rate picked right back up. He mentally scolded himself for not warning you about it beforehand, but it was too late. He had to let you finish the song.

Every single line beyond the chorus had become familiar to you, making your heart drop. A part of you was in denial that he could’ve possibly wrote a song about you, but everything was too spot-on. It all become too overwhelming, a million thoughts running through your mind as you tried to process this, not even completely sure if this was really about you or not.

Your facial expression was hard to read as the song came to an end.

“Damn, was it that bad?”

Your eyes widened and began to shake your head rapidly, “No, no, no, I’m sorry! It’s not bad at all!” You began to stumble on your words as you tried to reassure him how much you really liked the song, but couldn’t cover the panic in your voice.

He chuckled a bit nervously, “Yeah? I hope you do. You’re the inspiration behind it.”

You stared at him with a doe-eyed expression on your face, just waiting for him to laugh and tell you he’s joking, but he didn’t. The emotions that began to stir inside of you only confused you more, not sure why you were feeling like a nervous school girl talking to her crush.

“Remember that night you had your little love crisis and worried about never finding love?” he asked, breaking the silence. When you didn’t respond, he continued, “And I told you I’d be waiting for you, even if ten years goes by?”

You hesitantly nodded as you thought back to that night, growing fearful of where he might be going with this.

“Jesus, Y/N, you look like you just saw a ghost. Calm down,” he sent you a reassuring smile, “It’s just a song, honey. I’m not being serious.”

“What?” you breathed out in surprise.

“The song isn’t for you, but you inspired me to write it.”

Despite the tiny unknown disappointment you felt in your heart, you sighed in relief, letting out a small laugh as he continued to explain the writing process of it.

He tried convincing himself that the disappointment he could’ve swore he saw in your eyes was just a figment of his imagination, but a small part of him wanted it to be real.

//

Shawn was unsure if it was one-sided, feeling as though something had changed in your guys’ friendship. It’s not that you guys were rough with the way you acted towards each other before, but he was sure you had never been so soft and gentle with him than ever. And he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t been acting the same with you, too.

The pet names for each other had slowly become more and more of a frequent thing, the scheduled FaceTime calls were new, he even began to fly you out to wherever he was when he knew you had time or a break from school. It sounded like you both were in the beginning stages of a relationship, but whenever someone had asked about it, you both denied anything going on between the two of you.

There’s always a hesitation from you both whenever you’re alone with each other. The question hanging at the tip of both your tongues almost always slips out of your mouths, but never do, in fear of being rejected by the other. So you both grow comfortable in a state of wonder and confusion.

The view of Toronto had distracted you from the excited voices echoing throughout Shawn’s condo. You were still trying to shake the tiredness off from your flight earlier that day and match everyone’s energy, but it was a struggle. Shawn had jumped at the opportunity to fly you out once he found out you were on a break from school, wanting you to attend the Travis Scott concert with him and everyone else.

You felt the couch sink in beside you and a heavy arm being thrown around you, “You okay over here?”

Turning your head, you were met with a concerned-looking Shawn, making you giggle as you nodded.

“Just a little tired still from the flight, that’s all,” you shrugged, laying your head on his arm. You felt his thumb gently rub at your shoulder as he nodded with his puppy dog eyes. Closing your eyes, you rubbed your cheek against his arm, getting ready to get comfortable and curl into him, but felt the couch on the other side of you sink in.

“Oh man, I love some cuddling.” You felt Brian lean what felt like all his weight against you and curling up at your side. You opened your eyes and glanced over at the redhead beside you curled up in a ball. Giggling, you looked at Shawn to see him glaring at the boy with an irritated look on his face.

Mumbling to himself, he took his arm off of you and got up from the couch, walking over to his plugged in phone in the kitchen. Brian sat up straight upon noticing Shawn’s disappearance and laughed to himself.

“Jesus, tell your boyfriend to stop being so damn sensitive,” he shook his head as he glanced over at Shawn.

You sighed deeply, “Not this again. Not tonight, alright Bri?” You pressed your cold hands against your heated cheeks and tried to calm the craziness going on inside of you at the thought of Shawn being your actual boyfriend, missing the feeling of his warmth beside you.

“Uber’s here!” Shawn announced, making everyone cheer and gather their things.

Arriving in the VIP section near the stage, you could feel your head start to pound from the noise coming from the crowd, already feeling a headache coming. By the look on your face, Shawn could tell something was off with you, especially with how unmatched your energy was compared to everyone else’s.

He leaned down close to your ear, “You sure you’re okay?” Glancing up at him, you nodded and sent him a small smile. You could feel your cheeks heating up again once you noticed how close his face was to yours.

“I’m gonna go get a water or something. You want anything?” you asked, taking a couple steps back towards the stairs.

“I’ll go with you!” he stepped towards you, a loose grip on your elbow. The lights dimmed right then, causing the crowd to cheer. You shook off his hand and shook your head, “I don’t want you to miss the opening act. I’ll be okay.” You shake off his hand as you give him a reassuring smile. Before he could protest, you turn around and make your way up the steps.

Watching you walk up the steps, Shawn sighed to himself, wondering if he did or said something that upset you prior to you arriving in Toronto. You had been a little off since the moment you arrived, and despite your constant reassurance to him, his thoughts still ate away at him.

He stood not too far from the stairs, looking up at the top every so often. He began to grow worried after four songs had passed, and you still hadn’t returned. Just as he was about to make his way up the stairs to check up on you, he felt a sense of relief once he saw you walking back into the arena, a small smile forming on his face seeing you laughing about something.

Just as he was about to make his way up and meet you halfway, he stopped in his tracks noticing you weren’t alone. He furrowed his brows as he stared at the (male) stranger who appeared to be the one making you laugh, jealousy bubbling inside him.

She’s not yours, she’s not yours, she’s not yours, he repeated to himself. Crossing his arms, he stood beside Jon and Brian, trying to focus on the performance, but couldn’t help looking over at you and your new friend, noting the way you both seemed to be in your own little bubble.

He immediately sensed your presence beside him after another minute had passed, getting a whiff of your perfume and suddenly growing irritated. You stretched out your arm, offering him some of your water to which he shook his head without even looking at you, keeping his gaze on Trippie Redd on the stage.

He noticed the way your mood had changed, having so much energy he thought you’d be bouncing off the walls pretty soon, rapping along with everyone else. Shawn knew he must look ridiculous right now with his arms crossed and a pout painted across his face. It’s not like he wanted to feel this way. He hated being so jealous when he has no reason to be; you guys are just friends.

Bringing him out of his thoughts, he felt a hand on his shoulder, “Bro, let’s go get some drinks.” So much time had passed while he was too caught up in his own jealousy and irritation; all that was left was Travis’ set. Taking advantage of the small break, he began to follow the guys towards the stairs, looking around for you.

Before he could even think about what he was about to do, he walked straight over to where you were, once again talking to your (male) friend. Putting his hand on the small of your back, he interrupted your conversation, “Babe, we’re gonna go get some drinks. You want some more water or…?”

Your eyes snapped towards him the second the pet name left his mouth, noticing the way his lips twitched fighting back a smirk. The tension between the both of you suddenly became thick.

“I’m good, thanks,” you blinked, dullness evident in your voice. He winked before leaving you back alone with Jack, the guy you met in line while waiting to buy some water.

He chuckled awkwardly, “Didn’t know your boyfriend was that Mendes guy.”

Rolling your eyes, you shake your head, “He’s not my boyfriend. We’re just friends.”

“Kinda seems like he wants to be more than just that,” he sipped his drink. After your lack of response, he cleared his throat and continued, “I should, uh… get back to my friends.” You give him a defeated smile as you nodded, waving to him as he made his way back to his friends. Letting out a frustrated groan, you go to stand beside Jon, trying to hide your dejected mood.

For the rest of the night, you kept your distance from Shawn, knowing it’d put you even more of a bad mood if you were near him, and you didn’t want to be a downer for everyone else.

Rummaging through your suitcase as you picked out some pajamas, you heard a knock at the door. You looked up at the tall figure in the doorway leaning against the wall and stared at him, waiting for him to say something.

“So... are you gonna tell me why you haven’t said a word to me all night?” You scoffed at the stupidity of his question and looked back down at your suitcase as you took out your toothbrush, “You know why.”

“I didn’t fly you out here, so you could go and flirt with some stupid guy,” he spat instantly, irritation laced in his voice. You glared up at him, “Who the fuck are you to tell me what I can and can’t do? You’re not my boyfriend.” You push past him and make your way to the bathroom, not seeing the point in having this argument.

He grabs ahold of your arm, “Then, what the hell is this between us?! Huh?!” You stood in place and felt your nerves acting up, wanting nothing more than to disappear. As much as you were confused about the change in relationship with Shawn, you weren’t ready to have this conversation. And knowing him, you were almost positive he isn’t ready either.

“There’s nothing between us, Shawn,” your voice was small, and it caused him to scoff.

“Who are you trying to convince here, me or you?” he argued. Turning to face him, you shook your head, “Whether there’s something between us or not, it doesn’t give you the right to go into jealous boyfriend mode. What the hell was that anyway?!”

He shrugged, “He was probably an asshole anyway.” You gave him a hard stare, hands balling into a tight fist.

“Since you want to play boyfriend so badly, then why haven’t you asked me to be your girlfriend yet?”

It felt like you had knocked the wind out of him as he tried to come up with an answer. It was hard for him to get anything out with his mind racing a million miles an hour. The minute-long silence that followed after made you grow tired, making you not want to look at the dumbfounded look on his face any longer.

“Next time you want to throw some shit like that at me again, at least be ready to have the conversation.” And with that, you slammed the door.

//

Checking the time on your phone, your frustration grew more as you rummaged through your bathroom, trying to find your only scrunchie you had left, mentally scolding yourself for losing all the others. You wouldn’t doubt it’s in your suitcase you have yet to unpack since your trip to Toronto, but you didn’t have any more time to waste. The Uber’s about to charge a Wait Time fee if you weren’t out the door in the next ten seconds, and as a broke college kid, you needed to save as much money as you can.

Quickly grabbing your bag from your room and stopping to get a banana from the kitchen, you flew out the door with your phone and keys in hand, locking the door before you made your way towards the Uber. You greeted the driver as you got in the car and buckled your seatbelt.

Sighing, you leaned your head back and took a second to calm down after rushing all morning to get ready. You could almost hear Shawn’s laughter in the back of your mind, teasing you for always being in a rushing and having such poor time management.

The rest of the weekend you spent with him in Toronto was awkward to say the least. Although neither of you have addressed (surprise, surprise) the question you threw at him, you both tried to carry on the rest of your time there trying to be as normal as possible, even though the tension was palpable. As much as his lack of response was bothersome, you knew you weren’t completely ready to have the conversation that’s been burning inside you for the past couple of months.

The thought of being a part of his life romantically was enough to make you anxious. Just being his friend was sometimes too much for you to handle. You knew people talked and theorized about what’s going on between the both of you. There’d be times where you couldn’t help, but scroll through endless tweets of anything involving you, which always turned out to be a mistake, but that’s just who you were. You care too much about what people think, which is why you try to avoid social media as much as possible. For as long as you could remember, all your social media accounts were set to private, not liking the idea of strangers being aware of your activity.

Even thinking about it now is giving you the urge to check social media, but only out of boredom. Not like you have anything better to do in the car.

Opening the Twitter app, you read through some tweets that pop up on your timeline, giggling at some and sending them to yourself to look back at later. Just as you were about to switch to Instagram, you noticed a familiar head of hair at the bottom of your screen. Noticing Shawn had liked the tweet, you scrolled up and squinted down at the picture attached to the tweet.

Scoffing, you instantly spotted your scrunchie around Shawn’s wrist. This asshole thinks he could just wear my scrunchie.

take my scrunchie off your wrist, you look ridiculous, you typed out to him and hit send. You chewed on your bottom lip, anxiously waiting for his response.

Are you stalking my update accounts? I knew you were obsessed with me

You snorted. In the middle of your typing, he sent you a picture of himself with the tiniest “man bun,” if you will, with your scrunchie. You bit your lip trying to suppress the smile wanting to come out on your face, but failed as you let out a soft giggle.

alright fine it’s yours now. only because you look cute in it i guess

Cuter than you that’s for sure

You rolled your eyes. 

//

Pressing the home button on your phone, you groaned quietly as the time neared three in the morning.  Despite the heater being turned on, you couldn’t shake off the coldness that was spreading throughout your body, causing you to not be able to sleep. You were convinced it was the snow outside the cabin that was making the room so cold (and the fact that it was winter time), but everyone seemed to be just fine.

Pushing yourself out of bed, you wrapped your blanket tightly around yourself as you tiptoed outside the room, careful not to wake anybody up. You closed the door quietly and turned around, only to run into something hard, causing you to let out a small yelp.

“What the hell are you doing awake?”

You squinted your eyes, “I can’t sleep. It’s too cold in here,” a slight pout settled on your lips.

“What about you, huh? Why are you awake?”

“Bathroom,” Shawn yawned sleepily as he made his way past you and into the bathroom.

You shook your head as you walked to the kitchen and turned the light on. You started to look through the cabinets in hopes of finding hot chocolate, or something warm, to take the coldness away. After not finding anything, you sighed and stole one of Shawn’s teas, knowing he wouldn’t mind, but might find it a bit of a shock to see you drinking tea after professing your hatred for the nasty liquid.

In the process of preparing the tea, you felt heavy arms wrap loosely around your waist and felt his hot breath close to your ear.

Turning your head slightly, you felt your heart rate pick up at the proximity of both your lips. His eyes were shut, and by the slowness of his breathing, you were almost convinced he fell asleep.

“You should go back to bed,” you gently ran your fingers through his mess of curls.

He hummed, “Wanna stay up with you.” He nuzzled your neck, lips just barely ghosting over your skin.

“I don’t wanna keep you up,” you spoke softly as you played with his curls. His eyes fluttered open and looked at you, “Are you gonna be long?”

You glanced over at the water boiling, “Well, I-”

He shut off the boiling water before tugging on your arm and pulling you towards his room. Your eyes widened as you tried to snatch your arm from his grip.

“What are you doing?!” you shouted in a whisper.

“Going to my room, what does it look like?” he tightened his grip, rubbing his eyes sleepily with his free hand.

“Why are you taking me with you?”

He ignored your question as he opened the door to his shared room quietly and gave your arm another tug as you hesitantly walked in after him. Glancing over at the sleeping boys in the other two beds, you prayed silently they wouldn’t wake up. You knew if they were to catch you in the room with Shawn at this hour you’d never hear the end of it.

You watched him as he climbed into bed and got comfortable under the blankets before he glanced at you and motioned for you to join. Rubbing your sweaty hands against your pajama pants, you quietly climbed in next to him and awkwardly lay on your back, eyes glued to the ceiling.

“Are you still cold?”

You felt his arms wrap around you, pulling you close against his body before you had the chance to respond. With the quietness of the room and his body up against yours, there was no way he couldn’t hear your heart about to burst out your chest.

“This okay?” he whispered sleepily, picking his head up to look at you through heavy eyelids.

Staring into his sleepy eyes, you bit your lip as a small smile formed on your face and nodded, whispering a quiet ‘yes.’ Laying his head close to yours on the pillow, you felt his nose brush against your temple and felt his breathing start to even out. All the worries of getting caught faded away as you soaked in the warmth his body radiated.

You close your eyes, but continue to stay awake, cherishing the feeling of his arms around you and wished for the night to go on forever.

[stylesgalaxy]

mastermind; epilogue

15 months later

In the elevator, I adjust my blouse and smooth out my blazer. My hand shakes slightly and that’s probably because of how much coffee I’m pumped with.

There was a party last night at the boy’s house to celebrate our graduation, and them moving out of the house they did nothing but hold parties in. I told Harry I didn’t want to go, but he insisted that it was the last party and I couldn’t miss it. I felt nostalgic seeing all my friends, though I knew a lot of us were staying around and not moving too far away.

But I did end up drinking a little because it was the end of an era. Aside from the boys and Julia and Eleanor, I didn’t really care too much for most of the people at the party (because I didn’t know most). I was keeping my drinks to a minimum and so did Harry. It’s already hard enough for him to let people make a mess in his house, but it was especially harder last night because they’re putting the house up for sale and needed it in it’s best condition. We ended up leaving before the party ended to be alone and get food.

I grin remembering his warm smile and how soft his hands felt in mine. The dingy shawarma place with the fluorescent lights was no where near a romantic setting but the way Harry looks at me when we’re alone makes everything fade away.

He was excellent at keeping me calm and helping me sober up. After he took me back to my place to rest for the night (or the few hours left of it) he went back to his to clean up, leaving me to wake up alone and prepare for this interview.

Sorry, babe, just woke up. Good luck on your interview, I know you’ll kill it so don’t be nervous. Just do what we went over and he’ll love you.

Just as my eyes finish reading over his text, he sends the kissy winky face emoji. My heart swells and I send back a heart to let him know I got it. If it wasn’t for Harry, I’d be a nervous wreck right now so I’m very thankful I have him.

The elevator doors open and I walk up to the receptionist’s desk. She looks up and smiles at me.

“Hi, I’m here for an interview with Jordan Green?” I tell her. She nods and is just about to call him when Jordan himself walks out and sees me.

“Aria, so nice to see you again! Come in, follow me,” he smiles and leads me into his office.

Another thing I have Harry to thank for. A few months ago I had a huge meltdown about how I will go nowhere in life with my so called ‘useless’ degree. My few friends from my program had internships that looked promising and Zayn got requested to do illustrations for some local publishing company. I didn’t tell Harry about it until I started get anxiety attacks and he noticed. He tried to calm me down help me think of possible job options but my confidence in my skills began to deteriorate so in the next few weeks he told me about some of his father’s friends who were looking to hire. And then we had a huge fight because I didn’t want him to find me a job, I wanted me to find me a job. I hated it when Harry had to step in to help me out using his status because it made me feel like a charity case. Harry, of course, didn’t agree and continued to pester me about marketing, graphic design and concept art jobs that were mainly for his father’s company. At one point I think he started making jobs up in his father’s company so they’d appeal to me, but I refused all of them.

Until a few weeks after.

“How was your father?” I asked the morning after he had dinner with his father. I was also invited but I politely declined due to having a midterm exam the next day.

“Good… good…” Harry replied as we moved up a space in the Starbucks line. “He talked a bit about his business friends who are hiring.”

“Oh, here we go again,” I muttered, rolling my eyes. Harry bit back a smirk while I glared at him, not knowing what was so funny about the wrath he was about to face.

“No, of course I told him you weren’t looking for a job,” Harry said like the idea was so ridiculous. This made me frown because I was looking for a job… but I can’t get mad at him because I was the one who’s forcing him to stop helping me. Harry looked at me like he knew he made a point. I narrowed my eyes at him, not liking this.

“Good,” I said.

“So… if you happen to know any of your friends who want to work for Jordan—you remember Jordan, he was at my birthday last year, you talked to him quite a bit?”

My heart dropped.

“Yeah, I remember Jordan,” I said quietly. Oh no, what have I done? Jordan was so nice; I’d love to work for him!

“Yeah, well he’s just looking for, like, an art consultant or something…” Harry said offhandedly. Nooooo.

“An art consultant?”

“Yeah… I told my dad that you might know some people, ‘cause you’re in an art program. So let me know if you think of anyone, yeah?” he grinned. I followed Harry to the counter as he ordered our drinks, stunned. When we got them and left the shop I stopped.

“Hey!” I said. He looked back at me. “I-I might want to see about this job…”

Harry grinned like the little shit he is. “You what?”

I rolled my eyes. “I might want to work for Jordan. This job sounds cool… Is it too late to do anything about it now?” I asked, starting to feel myself stressing out.

“No! Not at all, in fact let me send Jordan an email right now,” I held Harry’s cup and we walked as he read out what he was typing in his email. “Hello Jordan, hope you’re doing well. Aria has confirmed that she’s available for that interview we were discussing. Here is her email—”

“Hey! You already set up an interview?” I exclaimed.

“Yes,” Harry laughed. “Don’t worry, it’s after grad so you’ll be free. You have like two months to prepare for it.”

I shook my head at him and rolled my eyes but I couldn’t stop the grin spreading on my face. Harry was amazing.

---

My interview ran way longer than I expected. As I exit the building, I see Harry leaning against his car on the edge of the road with his sunglasses on and arms crossed, just looking around. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t allowed to park there.

I grin and run up to him, feeling loose with the relief coursing through me. Harry sees me and stands straight holding his arms out. I run into him and wrap my arms around his neck tightly.

“Hey—”

“I got the job! I got the job! I got the job!” I scream in his ear. He laughs and spins me around before pulling back to look at my face.

“Knew you’d get it, babe,” he says, pressing a kiss to my lips. He pulls back and rests his forehead against mine as we both smile at each other. I press another kiss to his lips.

“Thank you thank you thank you,” I chant, pressing more and more kisses all over his face.

“Hey, now, I didn’t do the interview for you,” he chuckles.

“No, but you got me the interview. I got the interview because of you,” I argue. Harry cups my cheeks in his hands.

“No, actually. That was also you. Jordan emailed my father to get in touch with me so he could ask about you. He wanted you to work for him. I guess that time you met him really left a good impression.”

I look at him in shock. Jordan had sought me out specifically?

“Still,” I say, shaking my head. “You’re the angel who made it happen. If it wasn’t for you and your father I wouldn’t have gotten this job, so shut up and let me kiss you,” I demand.

“Well you can always do that—” I break off his sentence by pulling him in for a deep kiss and pouring out all the love I have for him. We completely shut the world around us out as we get lost in each other. Until someone slams a hand on Harry’s car.

“Hey!” A man in a uniform calls out to us rudely. “You can’t park here.”

“Oh sorry, we’re leaving right now,” Harry apologizes.

---

Everyone is happy for me because I was sort of the last one to get a job. Julia already had something her father set up for her, as did Harry. Zayn got the illustrating job and Louis and Niall were going to grad school, so they had some more time.

Julia called the boys to come over to ours for a small celebration. It wasn’t a party, just friends hanging out while we can before we go our separate ways.

Our university was one of the best so Niall and Louis were lucky to get into our grad programs. They will both be moving into an apartment together. Julia and Harry will be working downtown because that’s where their father’s companies are. So far, Zayn is staying where he is but he might move if he gets a higher position (not for a while thought).

“Hey, mate, why don’t you move in with Niall and I?” Louis shouts to Zayn.

“Oh, no, won’t you guys be too far?” Zayn asks.

“Isn’t the publishing company downtown?”

“Like twenty minutes away…”

“Well that’s where we’re looking for a place too! We can’t find any good two bedrooms, but there was one offer for three bedrooms and it’s close to downtown!”

“Yeah, come on Zayn! It’s the closest and nicest place we’ve found to our uni. Move in with us so we can get the bigger apartment,” Niall coaxes.

It doesn’t take much to convince Zayn. I watch the exchange with a small grin. I’m really happy all of us are staying so close together.

“Brilliant. We can play video games easier now. And we won’t have Niall to distract us as much seeing as he’ll probably be here all the time,” Louis jokes.

Oh, another big thing. Julia and Liam didn’t really last. They dated for a good eight months before breaking it off. While Liam was a really good match for Julia (handsome, wealthy, intelligent) and he practically kissed the ground she walked on—he wasn’t the one for her. After Julia and Harry broke up, she had a completely different approach to how she did everything. She was visibly trying harder to be herself and to be honest and genuine. I think she felt like her relationship with Liam wasn’t genuine but more superficial. And seeing Harry and I together added to that so she broke up with Liam. They still talk sometimes, and for a few weeks after he tried to win her back but Julia was insistent that he will find someone who loves him more than she did.

The Julia that I knew my whole life had her nose in the air and walked like she was a goddess only good enough for men she deemed worthy (men who had a high status, were good-looking and had a promising future). The Julia that came out of her relationship with Liam was not that. Suddenly, she didn’t care about being all prim and proper, and what someone’s social status was. She initiated the flirting with guys at bars, though she still held some standard and didn’t let it go further than a one-night stand.

This new Julia was more vivacious and fun to be around, which made it easier for the others to finally get along with her. And that’s how Harry, Louis, Zayn and I walked in on them having sex in the living room of the boys’ house while the rest of us were out.

Harry and I were both extremely shocked—me because I used to joke that I would judge Julia if she went for someone like Niall, and Harry because he couldn’t believe his ex-girlfriend and best friend would be sleeping together.

When Niall and Julia met us in the kitchen, clothed and red-faced, Harry lunged at Niall and nearly beat him but we held him back.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” he shouted at Niall when he embarrassedly admitted that him and Julia were basically friends with benefits.

Harry and Julia maintained a civil relationship after their breakup. It was a little awkward sometimes with the three of us in the house, especially in the mornings when Harry would emerge from my room shirtless, instead of hers like he used to. But they were both mature adults, and this new Julia was happier and better at letting things go so she actively tried to avoid making things awkward. But right now it seemed like Harry wasn’t as mature as we thought.

“Look, mate, I’m sorry!” Niall apologized, trying to block Harry’s punches. I pushed Harry back and placed myself directly in front of him so he would stop.

“Aria—move!”

“No, Harry, stop this!”

“How long has this been going on?” Harry growled.

“Like… two months now…?” Julia answered. Harry pinned his glared on Niall again.

“How dare you—”

“What?!” Julia yelled back, defending herself and Niall.

“He’s my best friend, how could he be sleeping with my ex without even asking me how I feel about it!”

“You are not being serious right now,” Julia deadpanned. Her icy glare startled him into silence. “Harry—how can you not see how hypocritical you’re being! Aria is my best friend and you’re my ex! I don’t even hold a grudge against you guys for being together!”

“But you pushed for us to be together, that’s different! I didn’t even know about—”

“Because you don’t need to! You don’t need know or care about who I sleep with. We’re not dating anymore and you don’t get a say in what I do so I don’t know why you think I’m even obligated to tell you much less ask if you’re okay with it when you’re doing the same thing. And I pushed for you guys to be together because I knew it would make you happy, so why can’t you do the same for me? You two have each other, I have no one. Niall’s been the happiest thing in my life for the first time in a long time, and the fact that you haven’t even noticed that I’ve been happier shows how little you really care about me.”

I admired this new Julia for having a stronger backbone and standing up for what she thinks instead of cowering and apologizing profusely. We all stared at Julia in awe.

“Wait so, are you guys like actually really together?” Louis questioned stunned.

“Well I mean, not like t-together together,” Niall said unsurely. He shyly glances over at Julia who is smiling at him. My heart melts.

“You guys this is so fucking cute,” I said nearly tearing up. “Go get out of here and figure out if you’re together or not because she said you make her the happiest,” I added, pushing them out and forcing them to go be alone and talk away from everyone. They chuckled awkwardly and left while I returned to yell at Harry.

They’re still kind of shy being together around us. Niall throws a pillow at Louis’ head for his comment and we all laugh. Harry apologized to them both privately for lashing out so there was no animosity or hostility between anyone in our group.

I lie back against Harry’s arm that’s wrapped around my shoulder. I watch his face light up as he laughs along to what Louis is saying. He turns to look at me and sees me already looking at him. I smile shyly, since I was caught, and he pulls me in closer to his side. My head is buried in his chest and my arm wraps around his waist as I bask in the warmness spreading through me because of him. Harry kisses the top of my head.

“Y’alright?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I sigh.

“What’s on your mind, love?” he whispers in my hair.

“Just how happy I am,” I look up at him again. “Mainly because of you.”

“I’m happy you’re happy,” he chuckles, stroking my cheek with his other hand.

We don’t say it a lot. I’ve never had anyone to say it to like this, and he didn’t say it all the time to Julia either. But right now there are no truer words to be said.

“I love you,” I murmur.

His eyes light up like they always do when I say that, and my heart skips a beat every time he says it.

“I love you, too,” he replies with shining eyes.

***

Okay now THAT is the official end. :(

I’m sorry if for some of you it feels like it ended too soon, but for me the end was always going to be when Harry and Aria get together. And trust me when I say I dragged the shitttt out of this fic. At some point around chapter 7 is when their feelings should have naturally gotten stronger (in my opinion) but I really wanted to keep writing more so I tried to stretch it out and I could see everyone saying “Harry HAS to know he loves Aria now!” which is true haha!! He did! He just wasn’t ready to accept it, I guess? And I thought about getting Zayn and Aria to date but both are too mature to do something petty like that to get Harry’s attention. Ugh I wrote these characters too mature, next time they’ll be dumber so we can have more drama.

But there we go everyone gets a happy ending :)

Not sure if anyone is interested, but I do have another fic I’m working on. It’s still a long way from even having the first chapter posted but if you want, look out for that! It’s going to be dark Harry actually, I’m quite surprised my first completed fic was a fluffy uni au. I’ve always been very into darker and supernatural themes and I love Harry when he’s not nice lol.

Thank you again to everyone who read this fic and shared their thoughts with me! You guys have made this so fun and fulfilling. On days I felt the lowest, I’d come on Tumblr or Wattpad and see notifications on this fic and it would make me so happy, please never stop commenting and letting authors know what you think! It really helps more than you think! Love you all <3

[sherlockmormorrp]

Had the most amazing rp

You're now chatting with a random stranger. Say STAND WITH HONG KONG AGAINST THE CCP!

You both like johnlock.

Stranger: [Cam! Boy Sherlock, y/c is a regular viewer. They've started DMing, and y/c requests special things for extra money. 19.] Hey, love. Haven't heard from you in a while... SH

You: Hey, sorry. Money has been kinda tight. I've missed seeing you. JW (25)

Stranger: Yeah? Everything okay, hun? SH

Stranger: I've missed you, too. SH

You: It's a long story. I didn't want to bother you. I know you've got other customers, your time is important. JW

Stranger: It is, but I've always got time for you x SH

You: I'm sure you say that to all your regulars. JW

Stranger: I do, but I mean it with you. SH You've been a regular for a year now. Can't say I haven't got a bit of a fondness for you. SH

You: Don't get my hopes up like that. I've already fallen for you. JW

Stranger: Aren't you sweet? SH I'm sure you can do far better than some boy in a shoddy flat in London. SH

You: Not really, well I've never been with any boys. JW Not..really out yet. I started looking at gay porn as I got curious and that how I found you. JW

Stranger: Really? SH With the things you've asked me to do, I figured you were a bit of a pro... SH

You: Just curious I suppose. And a bit imaginative. JW I like you. It's more real than porn, porn seems fake. But you're real. JW

Stranger: I'm definitely real. SH [...] I do hope Ive never hurt your feelings, knowing you're not my only client.. SH

You: I'm not a fool. I know this is a business. JW It's your job to make sad blokes like me feel special. JW

Stranger: You're not sad. SH Believe me, some of my clients are far, far worse. SH

You: Glad I'm not the worst. JW I'm sorry I can't send you anything. I won't be upset if you take me off your viewing list. JW

Stranger: I'm not taking you off my viewing list, John. SH Hard times are hard times. SH [Long delay, image attached of Sherlock sucking on a dildo] Here. To lift your spirits. No charge <3 SH

You: Christ, Sherlock, you're giving me a boner at work..JW You sure know how to cheer me up. You're too sweet. JW

Stranger: Figured you could use a pick me up. SH And eh, it's supposed to be Will when I'm working ;) SH

You: Oh, yeah-sorry. Will. JW I've always like your..real name better, can't help myself. JW

Stranger: I like it when you call me Sherlock. SH You're the only one that knows my real name. SH

You: Really? JW

Stranger: Yeah, really. SH

You: What'd I do to get the honor? JW

Stranger: [....] Made me feel special. SH That's supposed to be my job. SH

You: You are special. JW I'd make you feel special anytime, free of charge. JW

Stranger: Sap. SH .... Thank you, John. SH

You: Do you..ever ask for pictures of your clients? JW

You: Or do you prefer them to be names on screens? JW

Stranger: I've never asked for a picture before. SH But, I wouldn't mind seeing the man behind the mask, ha. SH

You: I just thought it'd be fair, I've seen so much of you. JW [Image attached; a selfie of John. A warm smile, dusty blonde hair and a maroon jumper]

Stranger: Oh, look at you! SH You're so cute! SH

You: Ha, thanks..I'm not too good at the whole selfie thing..JW

Stranger: You look great, John. SH Honestly, I was a bit afraid you were some 60 year old old man. SH

You: Oh, I'm sure you have 60-year-old customers, probably got a lot more money to spend than I do. JW I'm only 25, by the way. JW

Stranger: Oh, thank god. SH I'm sure I do, but they get to call me Will, and you get to call me Sherlock. There's a difference. SH

You: Well, you certainly make me feel special..JW

Stranger: You are, genuinely. SH You shouldn't be. It's bad for my work, you kow. SH But you are. SH

You: Oh? I'm bad for business, how so? JW

Stranger: Because I think about you far more often than I should. SH Was genuinely worried about you. SH

You: You're really the only person who'd notice if I went missing...JW

Stranger: Oh, come on, I'm sure that's not true. SH

You: No, it is. JW I haven't got anyone, my work would probably notice for a bit but would find someone to replace me rather quick. JW

Stranger: What about your family? SH

You: Only got my sister left, she'd be too drunk to notice. JW

You: Sorry, I'm only proving that I'm just another sad bloke. JW You're a cam model, not my therapist. I shouldn't be bothering you. JW

Stranger: I really don't mind. SH

Stranger: [....] I'd like to think you can talk to me, even when I'm not Will. SH

You: You're a lot more than Will to me. JW That's what scares me. JW

Stranger: I am? SH

You: Yes. JW

Stranger: [....] You're sweet, John. So sweet. sH

You: Not sweet, just a sappy fool. JW

Stranger: I think it's sweet. SH You're more than just a client to me. SH

You: What am I then? JW

Stranger: [....] Special. SH

Stranger: A friend, maybe. SH

You: I'd be honored to be considered your friend. JW

Stranger: Yeah? SH

You: Yeah. JW

Stranger: Thank you, John. SH

You: Of course. Sherlock. JW Thank you for talking to me, you made my day better, even without the photo. JW

Stranger: I'm glad. SH I really enjoy talking to you. SH

You: Me too. JW Do you do anything beside caming? JW

Stranger: I do. SH I play violin. I try to do uni, though caming doesn't pull in enough money for me to really succeed with that. SH

You: Violin? That's a beautiful instrument. I'd love to hear you play. JW I understand that I've been trying to work enough for Uni but it's never enough. Might go into the army, actually. Seems to be the only way I'll get medical training. JW

Stranger: Think you could handle the stress of the army? I know I couldn't. sH

You: Yeah, had a pretty strict father. I'm used to being yelled at. I'd like to have the training too. JW

Stranger: I suppose... SH I'd definitely miss you. SH

You: Well after Bootcamp I'd get my phone again. Only be unavailable if they deploy me. I'd send you letters, if you really wanted to hear from me. JW

Stranger: Yeah? SH I'd like that. SH

You: I'd like to have someone waiting for me..JW I'm still thinking it over, but with the way finances are looking. It might be my only option, unfortunately. JW I'd miss seeing you. JW

Stranger: I could send you pictures. Give you something to look forward to, hm? SH

You: I'd love that. Couldn't be anything..explicit. They check your mail as a soldier. But honestly, you're so handsome I'd just like to have a photo of your face. JW

Stranger: You're so sweet. SH

You: I mean it. You're gorgeous Sherlock. Your curls are probably my favorite thing about you..JW

Stranger: Yeah? SH [...] I've thought about you, sometimes. SH During my shows. SH

You: Thought about me how..? JW

Stranger: I think you can imagine. SH Even without me knowing what you look like. SH

Stranger: It's quite distracting. SH

You: I want to know. What exactly you were thinking. JW Were you thinking about me when you ride your dildo? JW

Stranger: God, yes. SH The vibrator, too. The purple one. It's bigger, I've always imagined... that it was you. SH

You: I'd love to do /everything/ to you, Sherlock. JW

Stranger: Yeah? SH I'd let you. SH Everything you've asked me to do. SH

You: Your arse is perfect, and the way you moan. I'd stop at nothing to hear you moan my name. JW

Stranger: Yeah? SH You should come by. SH

You: You mean it..?JW

Stranger: I do. SH If you want to, I mean. SH

You: I do, of course I do. JW I just..didn't think it was allowed. JW

Stranger: I shouldn't. sH But... I do a lot of things I shouldn't. SH Maybe... if you like it, we could even do it a second time, on camera. SH

You: On camera? Oh wow. Maybe..JW I can come by after work? JW

Stranger: Perfect. SH {address attached] I'm here. SH

You: Wow, I'm pretty sure I've had a dream about this..JW Is that lame, of me to say? JW

Stranger: Not to me. SH

You: Good, because I'm sure I'm only going to get lamer from here..JW

Stranger: You're sappy. It's cute. SH

You: Glad you think so. JW I should be getting off around 2, I'll stop by my flat and shower. Should be around maybe 4 or so, is that okay? JW

Stranger: That's perfect, yeah. SH I can order takeaway, if you want. SH

You: Sure. JW I can always eat. JW

Stranger: Perfect. SH

You: I'll see you at 4. xx JW John's heart was beating out of his chest. When Sherlock said he was special a part of him never really believed him. It was Sherlock's job to say things like that. To give blocks the illusion that he was into them, he was fairly certain though that Sherlock didn't invite clients over. He was special, he couldn't believe this was really happening. He hurried home, showered, shaved and put on after shave before he stopped by the corner store and got Sherlock flowers. He knew it was probably a bit much but hey Sherlock knew he was a sappy idiot and seemed to like it. On my way. JW John hopped into a cab and tried to keep his breathing even as he finally came to terms that he was about to meet Sherlock. The gorgeous boy he'd be watching and fantasizing about for a year.

You: (heres my email incase omegele acts up and disconnects : sherlockrpemail@gmail.com)

Stranger: Sherlock couldn't believe he'd just done that. He invited over a client! And sure, John was more than a client to him, but who was to say the man wasn't lying about the photo he'd sent? What if he was actually that 60 year old Sherlock had been afraid of? Still, it was too late now, he'd given him his address and he was on his way and oh /god/. Sherlock placed the takeaway containers down on the table, not even sure if John would like it, and began to pace, closing the door to his bedroom, which had quickly become his filming space. He had his toys laid out to make camming easier, and he had purple fairy lights that helped to make his scenery interesting, and he really wasn't sure he wanted John to see that. When he heard his door bell ring, he swallowed, moving to let the blonde in.

You: John's heart hadn't stopped thumping since he had read Sherlock's text inviting him over. He took a deep breath to steady himself before he rang the door bell. His heart skipped a beat when Sherlock opened the door. It was him-it was really Sherlock. He swallowed-his mouth suddenly dry. "You're..even more gorgeous in person..' he muttered. He blushed as he realized he must look like a big idiot, blushing and gocking over Sherlock with flowers in his hand.

Stranger: Oh, thank god, it was the same man from the photos. He was attractive, and sweet, and... "Oh, are those flowers? John, you really didn't have to." He insisted, ushering the man inside and taking the bouquet from him. "You're so sweet." No one had ever bought him flowers before, not ever. He really didn't know what it was like to be fully wooed and dated. If this is what it was like, it was nice. "I got us Chinese, I hope you don't mind. I didn't know what you liked, and I figured it'd be a bit awkward to just text you and be like hey, what do you want to eat, you know? So I just got chinese, and I hope you're not like a vegetarian or anything, but if you are that's totally fine, I'll just order something else, and-" And he was absolutely rambling. So badly. He forced himself to shut up as he took the bouquet and disappeared into his tiny kitchen, filling a vase with water and putting them in it. "Thank you."

You: John smiled as he heard Sherlock rambling-it was down right adorable really. And sort of a relief that he wasn't the only one nervous. In Sherlock's videos he was so confident and in control. This was welcoming- to realize Sherlock was just as nervous as he was. He found it a bit funny that Sherlock was worried about texting him and asking what he'd like to eat but was confident to do all sorts of things on camera, he supposed Sherlock and Will were really different. When Sherlock came back in he smiled, "Chinese is perfect. I'll literally eat anything so don't worry." he assured him. "I'm glad you like the flowers, I know it's a bit cheesy..but you had to expect I'd do something sappy." he joked.

Stranger: Sherlock and Will were more than just a little different. Will was confident and sexy and would do anything for a tenner, but Sherlock... well, he was shy, and he'd never had a boyfriend, never even really gone on a date. He was inexperienced with the romantic side of things, and he was awkward, and not nearly as graceful as he was when it was just about the sex. It was why he'd approached John with sex first, instead of just asking him for a date. At least John had gotten the message, though, right? He offered a smile as he took a seat on the sofa, motioning for him to sit down next to him. "I knew you would, but they're still super sweet. I love them."

You: John joined him on the couch looking around the flat briefly before he focused his attention back on the beautiful brunet in front of him. He couldn't help the idiotic smile plastered across his face as he stared at Sherlock. "Sorry-I'm just still in shock that I'm here..that you're here. " he admitted. They had spent so long talking and to finally be sitting in front of Sherlock was amazing. He wasn't entirely sure what to do or how to go about this, he was just glad to be here. He leaned against the sofa, "Smells good, what'd you get?" he asked.

Stranger: Sherlock blushed at the way John was smiling at him, shaking his head as he opened up the takeout containers. "Chicken, some rice. Some beef, too, since I didn't know what you'd prefer." He admitted with a sheepish grin, rubbing nervously at the back of his neck as he handed over some chopsticks to John. "Eat, eat. I've never really... done this before, but I figured dinner was a good start, right?" He offered, looking over at the older blonde. He was more attractive than his photo had made him look, honestly.

You: John nodded, "It's okay, I haven't done this before either." he assured him, not really sure what to classify this as. He gave Sherlock a small smile before he began eating. "I..guess I am special then. I..didn't really think you meant it.." he admitted, "I-I just figured you say that to everyone..." he blushed softly. "I wanted to believe it but..didn't want to get my hopes up."

Stranger: Sherlock offered a small smile, reaching over and placing his hand on John's thigh. He was nice, sweet, just like in his messages. It was really, really nice. "I told you, you're the only one that knows I'm Sherlock, not Will. You're the only one I"ve ever asked for a photo from. You're special, John." He insisted, blushing a dark red. He didn't open up like this, it felt foreign and strange, and he didn't know what the hell to do with it.

You: John smiled when he saw the blush on Sherlock's face, it was adorable. "I'm glad.." he muttered. He ate a few bites of his food and looked around before he spotted Sherlock's violin case. "Oh, you know I'm going to want you to play something for me one day, right?" he asked, smiling. "Did you learn as a kid?" he asked. John wasn't really in a rush for sex, he liked talking with Sherlock, they enjoyed one another's company. At least they had over texts, but even now it wasn't too awkward.

Stranger: Sherlock felt like he was fucking this all up. John was expecting exciting and comfortable, confident Will, and that just wasn't him. Well, it was, but not all the time, and certainly not now. Still, John didn't seem put off by it, and Sherlock was starting to feel at least a little better about it. When John asked about his violin, he perked up, nodding quickly. "I started learning when I was five. It helps me to think, you know? Real relaxing." He smiled, looking over at his violin case. "My neighbors complain sometimes, because I'll play at like, 2 AM, when I can't sleep."

You: John chuckled, "They should appreciate it. It's just a violen..should be soothing. I mean it's not like you're playing the drums at 2 am." he joked. "It's a beautiful instrument really...I've heard it's not an easy one to learn either." he ate a few bites as he listened to Sherlock talk. The other had a rather nice speaking voice, his voice was deep and /very/ sexy. He offered Sherlock his to-go box. "Want some?" he offered

Stranger: Sherlock smiled, taking his own chopsticks and grabbing out a piece of chicken. "Thanks." He mumbled as he popped it into his mouth and chewed. It was definitely good chinese food. "I'm glad you find it relaxing, I guess your sentiment isn't shared by my neighbors. As for it being hard... I guess it can be. I dunno, I started learning so young, it's like second nature." He admitted with a shrug. "But you never did tell me about what you like to do, when you're not viewing my shows."

You: John chuckled a small blush crossing his face. "Uhh I don't know I'm pretty boring. I work at lot..taking a few classes-whatever I can afford really." he answered. "I managed to get a job at a clinch..I'm only a medical assistant so I'm not really doing anything important but I get to work with doctors and they show me things here and there." he answered."Oh-I box. I guess that's interesting.." he shrugged. "I box here and there..just to work out."

Stranger: "You box?" Sherlock turned to face John, taking his own to go container and eating as he listened to the blonde. "You never told me about that. Guess it explains your muscles, hm?" He winked, chuckling. "How long have you been doing that?"

You: John smiled when Sherlock complimented him, amazed the other found him attractive at all. He chuckled, "uh..since I was in high school. I played rugby. Some of the blokes invited me to the gym and I gave a go at the punching bag a few times. Had a knack for it and just kinda found my way into it. It's a good way to know how to protect yourself." he explained, not adding that he'd needed to learn how to properly block his fathers drunken swings.

Stranger: Sherlock nodded. He could tell there was something else there, with how John's gaze went far past him for a moment, but he decided not to comment on it. At least not for now. He didn't want to scare him off, after all. "That's great. Bet you're great at it." He smiled, and for once he felt himself actually relaxing around the blonde. Sure, he wasn't used to all of this, but John was /nice/. He really did make him feel special. "Maybe I'll come watch you box sometime."

You: John smiled and nodded, "Really? I'd like that." he placed his to-go container on the coffee table in front of him. "That was really good. Way better than the Chinese place I have near my flat." he smiled, satisfied and full without stuffing himself. John looked around, "Where's your loo?" he asked

Stranger: "Ah, down the hall. First door on your right." He said, motioning towards the hall that led to his bedroom. It was a tiny flat, it was, but it did him fine. It worked for his camming, and when he was able to do classes, it worked for studying, which was all he really needed.

You: John nodded and stood up, he needed a quick bathroom break. He washed his hands once he was done and stared at himself in the mirror, anxiously fixing his hair and trying to calm himself. He could do this, he'd fantasized about Sherlock for so long and now it was truly happening. He could not fuck this up. He came back out and smiled, "Thanks for dinner, Sherlock." he hummed

Stranger: Sherlock made himself anxious all over again when John disappeared inside of his bathroom. He was doing fine, this was fine, and if John wanted sex, he knew how to do that. He just hoped that the man would like whatever they did. He wanted things to be good between them. He stood when John came back into the living room, nodding quickly. "Yeah, of course. Sorry about the rambling and everything, I just get a bit nervous, sometimes." He admitted with a shrug. "You're not leaving already, are you?"

You: John shook his head, "Course not-not unless you're kicking me out." he joked. He came over and stood in front of Sherlock, taking the other's hand softly. "Don't be sorry. You're cute...and not the only one nervous." he assured him. "Honestly I nearly puked on the way over here." he admitted, cracking a smile as he did so.

Stranger: Sherlock couldn't help but chuckle at the idea of John being that nervous, shaking his head as he stepped just a little closer to John. "Well, I'm glad I'm not alone, but you don't need to be nervous. I'm not nearly as intimidating as I seem to be online." He teased, moving to press a kiss to the older man's cheek. He didn't want to push things too far and scare John off, but he had been telling the truth earlier, he'd been thinking of John for a long time.

You: John smiled at the kiss on his cheek, Sherlock was certiantly very different than the man he'd met online. Will said and did very dirty things with so much confidence that he commanded attention. He was in his element and it was intrancing. -But Sherlock. Sherlock was nervous and more than the act he put on for his show. John had convinced himself that Sherlock had said all those nice things because he had to, but he was quickly realizing that he was something to Sherlock and he never felt so important. He smiled, "Do you want to go grab drinks? I..know I'm a client and all..but I didn't come over just to have sex and leave." he explained. "I know..our meeting was based on your body and..sex but that's not the only thing you are to me. I hope you know that."

Stranger: Drinks. John wanted to get drinks. Maybe that would help Sherlock to not be so nervous, maybe it'd make the Will in him come out more. "I know, John. I do. You wouldn't have brought over flowers if all I was to you was sex." He teased, but there was sincerity there. John was so, so kind, he truly didn't know how to show him how much he appreciated the kindness. "I think drinks is a wonderful idea, though."

You: John smiled softly, he wasn't entirely sure what he was to Sherlock. He'd assured him that he was special but what did that mean? Did Sherlock want more than sex...? What was the brunette wanting out of all of this? John didn't dare ask, afraid of the answer. He nodded, smiling as Sherlock agreed to drinks, "Get your coat." he hummed.

Stranger: Sherlock didn't have an answer himself as to what he wanted from John. He hadn't been thinking when he'd invited him over, he'd just done it, and now... well, he had feelings for the blonde, that much he knew. Anything past that... it was all foreign to him. He hadn't dated since Victor, and that hadn't turned out well, he'd used drugs, and he was still recovering from that, but John was so kind, and nice, and he did want /something/ more than a professional relationship with him. At the direction, he nodded, going into his bedroom for a moment and coming out with his coat on, and shoes as well. "Alright. There's a pub not far from here, we can head there?" He offered, following John to his front door.

You: "Sounds good to me, lead the way." he smiled. As they walked John wanted to take Sherlock's hand. He had a lump in his throat just thinking about it. Usually, he was so forward, especially with women. He'd dated and slept with many women-nothing ever lasting very long but he was known as some kind of ladies man. Yet with Sherlock he felt..so nervous. Like he was a kid again. He finally got the courage to reach for Sherlock's hand. Mentally preparing himself for Sherlock to drop it just as quickly.

Stranger: Sherlock looked down when John took a hold of his hand, his cheeks burning as he smiled. That was... nice. He couldn't remember the last time someone had just held his hand, but it felt nice. John's hands were bigger than his own, and a bit rougher, but warm, and nice. He smiled up at John, keeping a hold of his hand as he led the way to the pub. Once they got there, he opened the door for the both of them, keeping a hold of his hand as they walked straight up to the bar. "What do you like to drink, then?"

You: John felt a wave of relief wash over him when Sherlock kept their hands linked together. This was a big step for him, holding another blokes hand in public. He'd slowly been coming to terms with his bisexuality and was proud to hold Sherlock's hand in public. He looked over everything before he shrugged and ordered a beer to start. "What's your drink of choice?" he asked

Stranger: He should have figured John was a beer guy. He turned towards the bar, looking over everything before he ordered himself a cocktail. Something fruity, with about six different kinds of alcohol. He had never been a beer fan. "Anything with vodka is typically what I go for." He laughed, looking down when he realized their hands were still linked together, between the bar stools.

You: John got out his card to pay for the first round of drinks, he turned to look at Sherlock, "You want to sit at the bar or grab a booth?" he asked, letting go of the others hand only to sign the receipt. He thanked the bar tender as he was handed their drinks and handed Sherlock his. "I usually start with a beer or two..then maybe get a jack n coke." he explained.

Stranger: "Booth would probably be better. Not as loud." Sherlock nodded, taking the cocktail from John's hand and looking around. "Jack and cokes are nice. I typically drink with the plan to get drunk, if I'm honest, so I'm used to things that work fast." He laughed, taking a hold of John's hand again and leading him towards a booth near the wall of the bar. It was quieter over here, and he did in fact want to hear what John had to say. "Not to say I plan on getting drunk or anything, I don't, I just mean like, in general, you know? I wouldn't come out with you just to get wasted, I swear." Oh, god, he was definitely rambling again. He shut himself up with a drink of his cocktail as they each took a seat, hoping that the alcohol would at least make him less nervous.

You: John smiled when Sherlock took his hand again and lead him to a booth with some privacy. He smiled as he heard Sherlock ramble again, he just smiled and slid in the booth beside him. "You're really cute, you know that." he smiled. He thought he was going to be the one fumbling to keep up with Sherlock. "I know what you meant" he assured him, giving him a playful wink. "I think the last time I got..truly drunk was probably 2 years ago." he chuckled, "I don't really drink often." he explained, with his father and sisters history he'd always sort of had a fear of becoming an alcholic.

Stranger: Sherlock nodded, glad that John understood, though his cheeks did burn a little when John called him cute. "That's sweet of you." He smiled, taking another drink of his cocktail before he forced himself to relax, leaning against John's side once they were both sat down. "I don't get drunk as often as I made it sound, but when I do get a chance to do classes, the few friends I have usually want to get cocktails after. It can be nice."

You: John smiled when Sherlock leaned against him. He brushed their knees together, "It's good to destress now and then. I'm taking Microbiology right now and..God that class definitely makes you want to have a few." he joked. He sipped his beer before setting it down. "When you do take classes, what are you going for?" he asked.

Stranger: Sherlock laughed at that, his hand moving to rest on the other man's thigh as he allowed himself to relax. This was nice, wasn't it? Being on a date, at a pub, just having /fun/. It was good. "Forensics, actually. I'd like to be a detective." He shrugged, tracing patterns onto John's jeans to distract himself. "They're interesting classes, even if I do already know most of the material."

You: "A detective? Wow...that does sound interesting. You're really bright." he smiled, he could tell Sherlock was relaxing a bit more and he was glad the other felt comfortable enough to be himself. "What kind of forensics..I know there are different kinds like financial forensics and stuff like that but when I think of forensics I think of homicides."

Stranger: Sherlock was quick to nod, trying to ignore the blush that just would /not/ go away. He wasn't used to compliments that didn't come through a screen, and it was hard, to accept them. "Homicides is exactly it, yeah. Well, that's what I want to do, anyway. They're fascinating. Not like. Not like I think the killers are fascinating, though I kind of do, with wanting to know why they did it and all, and how, but I'm not like. Obsessed." He took another drink to silence himself, shaking his head at himself. He needed to stop with the rambling before he embarassed himself.

You: John smiled, he could tell Sherlock was passionate about this. "I understand. I watch the crime shows too, don't worry. It is interesting..hearing how they solve the cases and I've even watched some documentaries about serial killers. It's fascinating hearing those people explain themselves." he looked Sherlock over. "That will be an interesting job." he hummed.

Stranger: Sherlock nodded, looking up in time to see John look him over. Oh, that felt... nice, honestly. To have someone interested in him, and not just through the computer. "I think so. Think Scotland yard could use someone who actually knows what they're doing. Have you seen some of their detectives? Bloody idiots." He shook his head, rolling his eyes. "I tried to sneak into a case once, it was a double homicide and it was fascinating. They pushed me out before I could even get a good look, though."

You: John chuckled, "You've got to be careful, they'll think you're the one who did and you're trying to get a second look at your work." he joked. He squeezed the others hand, "Don't worry, you're young. You've got plenty of time to get through school then you'll get to see plenty of double homicides." he chuckled. (do you continue rps? I absolutely LOVE this. But its already 3 in the morning for me )

Stranger: [We can try but i'm absolutely TERRIBLE at remembering to respond to emails, and that's the only place I continue them]

You: (my heart ;(. Well it's up to you! I'd hate to see this die but I am very active on email and respond quickly! )

[taevcngs-blog]

best mistake - taeyong

Genre: Short Series; Fluff. [bad boy, thief, taeyong au!]

Word Count: 3K

Summary: You lived in a world full of books, while he lived in a world full of you.

While you worked in your towns local bookstore, you meet with a thief. He attempts his mischievous ways until you catch him. Sparing his life from the police, you two make a deal, but what you both don’t know is that the deal ends with a plot twist that you’ve only ever read about in books.

A/N: tbh i could of done better with part two, but i have another series in mind and i think that one will be way better than this! anyways thank you for the support and if you liked any bit of this, i appreciate it!

part one | part two

Usually your afternoons consisted of pages, cash and Johnny’s corny jokes between customers. This afternoon was different. This time you felt like you were babysitting, babysitting a grown adult. You managed to convince your boss to hire Taeyong since you needed more workers anyways. You let Johnny know that Taeyong was a close friend of yours, somehow Johnny knew something was a bit odd. He didn’t question you though, but he kept his eye on Taeyong most of the time.

“This… This is the most boring job I’ve ever had, and trust me I’ve gotten fired from a lot of jobs,” Taeyong sighs, resting his head behind the counter.

“Yeah well, keep that head of yours up. You owe me one, remember?” You roll your eyes, stocking the little goodies displayed by check out.

“How can I forget when you practically choked me to death by my hood,” he grumbles.

You squeeze your eyes shut, containing the annoyance bubbling up in you. You grit through your teeth, “I have a hunch we won’t be getting along well, Taeyong.”

He pouts, defensive and taken back, “yeah well start acting like you do before your boyfriend realizes we aren’t really friends-“ before he could continue snapping, you smack his head with one of the items in your hand.

“Ah!” He rubs the mark on his head, glaring at you.

“Could you be any louder?! And what boyfriend are you talking about?!” You angrily whisper.

“Aren’t you and Jackson over there an item?” He nods his head towards Johnny’s direction.

Rolling your eyes you shake your head, “Johnny, is my coworker and close friend. Nothing more, nothing less. Got that, airhead?” You walk away from him before your temper got any worse. You could of sworn you heard him mutter something, but you just brushed it off and continued your usual job.

When lunch time came around, you usually spent that time across the street. There was a great cafe that served amazing warm sandwiches with their drinks. Their tables outside were never dirty, and the service was amazing. Majority of your lunches took place at this cafe as you read your books while enjoying your meal. This time you were writing in your journal, hoping that you would somehow find inspiration at one of your favorite places. Taking a sip from your mug, you look out the glass screen you sat beside, watching the people walk to wherever they needed to. You ignored the bell that rang as another customer walked in.

You can’t help it, it’s still on your mind and you know it. The concept of romance. Most importantly what is romance? Why do you want to write about it so badly if you can’t even understand it. So, the thought came to you; write down anything that makes your heart skip. In order to understand love, you have to feel it. You decided even the small things count, so let's start now.

Continuing to peacefully look out the window, you decide to jot down things that make your heart flutter, even a mental note to yourself if possible. You thought about peoples eyes. You think they say a lot about them, and their expressions. you can almost see someone's thoughts through their eyes and that’s what made them so important to you. You loved humor, if you could joke around with someone, then they automatically made you comfortable. You happen to notice a couple holding hands while passing by. They where everything you always read about when it came down to romance, it was very easy to tell when others are in love, but could it be easy for you to know when you are?

You felt a presence next to you, causing you to look away from the window. You notice Taeyong smiling at you while he has a coffee in his hand along with a few cookies. He looked a bit hesitant, but you figured he just didn’t want to make the interaction anymore awkward.

“Uh hey, I saw you sitting here alone and I thought you might use the company, unless I’m like wrong or something,” He slowly sits down across from you, trying to find any signs of annoyance.

You sigh, deciding to give him a chance, “yeah, I was just finishing up. I thought your lunch break wasn’t till later?” You ask.

“Johnny kind of let me off the hook since I’m new,” he takes a sip of his coffee, eyes wandering to your opened journal. His eyes lightly skim it, noticing some sentences you had written down.

“Are you a writer?” His brow lifts.

“You seem to have a few ideas written down there,” he smiles, interested.

You quickly shut the journal, clearing your throat. Your eyes quickly wander around you out of embarrassment, avoiding eye contact with Taeyong.

“I don’t know if I’ll call myself a writer, but I do write from time to time for fun,” you clear your throat.

You were giving off to much awkward vibes. Just relax, it’s just Taeyong, you thought. Just another person who needs to take responsibility for his mistakes. Remember, he’s a troublemaker.

“Well, if you’re writing and love to do it then you’re a writer. I’m sure you’re a great one too,” he smiles at you again, his smile bigger than before, genuine and warm, his eyes smiling just as much.

Smiles.

You notice how he took child-like sized bites of his cookies, looking out the window so innocently. It was almost mind blowing to you that this is the same man with piercings, bright hair and edgy clothes. It was pure irony to you. His bad boy style completely contrasted to the innocence he portrays in his personality.

Never judge a book by its cover.

You smile back at him, “we still have some time left before we have to go back. So mister trouble maker, tell me more about yourself. Other than snooping and stealing, what else do you do for fun? What type of person are you, really?”

He rolled his eyes, a bit annoyed at your last comment but continued to answer. He gets comfortable in his booth, leaning more into the table. His hands are folded together, his head turning back to the window and watching everything happening from the outside.

“Other than being a laid off worker... I like to dance. If I’m not working, studying or even hanging out with some friends, I’m most likely dancing,” He sighs, but this time it wasn’t out of annoyance, almost like he needed this, he needed someone to talk to.

“I grew up in a pretty, uh, weird household,” he says, a questioning tone in his voice.

“Everyone around me had been going into our family business. I was always different though. My family liked numbers when the only numbers I liked where dance numbers. I was always the family “drama” kid. I still don’t know why I’m different, however I don’t hate it. My dancing elevated to something bigger when I met my best friend, Yuta. He entered my Uni after moving from Japan, and we just clicked. We help each other with our dancing, and now we’re in a dance group. We want it to grow and create our own movement, something big and incredible…” He starts losing track, once he notices he clears his throat and sits back a bit.

“Anyways, I study at Uni hoping that it can impress any company. I could go to my parents for that, however I want to be independent. If I’m going to succeed, I want it to come from my hard work not from theres. The only reason why I went to them is for school loans but they got tired of my constant begging, and threw me out unless I follow the steps of the rest of my family. Now, I’m here working for a bookstore I did wrongly of, talking to a girl who thinks I snoop for fun,” he says the last part lightly, jokingly as if it’s just air, but something about it just hits you.

After listening to his story, you grew a soft spot for him. Maybe you pitied him, felt bad for all he has to go through. Maybe, you just relate to him too much and completely understand where he’s coming from, desiring to help him out. You return with a soft smile, sincere and thoughtful. He could tell by your eyes, and you could tell by his.

Determination.

Strength.

A motivator.

“I’m sorry for misjudging you,” you apologize, breaking the silence.

“Its okay, I honestly don’t blame you. You seem like a strong independent person, I admire that,” he gives you that same smile. The same expression he’s been giving you since he found you. It was soft, it was safe. It made you feel warm, but you figure it’s just nothing.

Before you could respond you check your phone, realizing you’re going to be late to your shifts.

“We’re gonna be late, we should go now!” You grabbed your things, throwing out your leftovers in the nearby trash.

“What about your story?” He asks, throwing his leftovers away too.

You grab his hand, rushing each other out the cafe, “my story can wait, I’m an open book, trust me I have no secrets to hide.”

Warmth.

He looks at you while you guys charge back to the store. His eyes lower to the grip you still have on his hand. Something about this makes him smirk. Taeyong felt like he could get used to this now. You were honest, driven, and responsible yet a complete mystery. He admired your skills, and something told him that maybe he wouldn’t hate this job as much as he thought he would.

The rest of your day became extremely weird after your talk with Taeyong. Weird as in your day consisted of constant stares from Taeyong’s way, finding yourself staring back. Whenever you guys bumped into each other, it became really awkward and you kept finding excuses to leave his side. This was noticed a lot by Johnny as well, which ended up with him giving you a talk on how you should be more open with him if you have a crush, however that conversation ended real quick after cutting him off and denying the fact you felt something for Taeyong.

Connection.

This time the store was closing, and Johnny had already left. Your boss depended on you to lock the place up after cleaning. You thought Taeyong would leave with Johnny, but rather he insisted on cleaning up shelves, probably to make up for the messes he made.

After you finished counting the money in the cash register, you rest, laying against the counter and sighing.

“You look... dead,” Taeyong appears in front of you, dusting off his hands and chuckling.

“I’m going to knock out once I get home,” you groan.

“You’re tired already? Awe man, I was hoping you would finally tell me your story,” Taeyong pouts.

You raise a brow at him, “is that why you stayed here all this time, to just listen about my life?”

He nodded like a puppy, sending a weird feeling to your heart.

You clear your throat, “well aren’t you special.”

“Come on, I’m sure the boss wouldn’t mind if you stayed around a bit longer. No one is going to come in anyways,” he jumps onto the counter, causing you to jump at how close he was to you.

Giving up, you lean forward and nod your head. If you were going to spend any time with him might as well take advantage of the time you currently have.

“Well Lee Taeyong, my life is… Uh, kind of similar to yours? Literature runs in my family, it always has. Whether its being a poet, an author, an english teacher, literature has always just been there. When I’m not at school or working here, I’m usually home writing short stories? Journal entries? Articles? I don’t know exactly what they are yet, but I do know I just write whatever comes to my mind. It’s really therapeutic to me. As much as I love reading and writing, I’m not too sure if that’s what I want to do. I see it more as a hobby rather than a lifestyle,” You stare into space, thinking about the many times you’ve thought about this without telling anyone.

A listener.

Patience.

Care.

“I want to travel, write about my adventures. Now that… that seems like fun to me. A job where I can travel wherever I want to go to, and write about my experiences. I know there’s many jobs that do that, but I haven’t finished school yet, and I kind don’t know if I can handle doing that alone. Besides, Johnny and I don’t have a big friend group, which is probably because I’ve always been focused on building a carrier rather than building a social life. I thrive for success in where I’ll be stable, happy, able to support my family. I guess I’ve never realized how much I needed to build my own source group of friends in order to make that happen. Now I’m here, always have been working here. I see a lot of people from my college here, I just don’t know them well enough. What I do know well is, practically every book in this store. I know what a good plot is, a perfect storyline. I learned a lot about writing through these authors which is why I cherish this cheap job a lot,” you smile, looking up at Taeyong with bright eyes.

Reassuring eyes.

His eyes were soft, completely into your words. He understood you, admired you, read you well. He feels comfortable around you. It hasn’t been a long time, but he feels connected to you in which he has never felt before with anyone else. His past relationships haven’t been near this feeling he holds in his heart right now. Especially when you smile while talking about your passions, pout when you’re tired, and express yourself better than any book anyone could pick up.

Realizing he’s been staring, he blinks rapidly, coming back to earth, “I might not dislike you after all Y/N, perhaps you’re kind of cool.”

“Perhaps you’re not bad yourself, Taeyong,” you chuckle, noticing how much darker its gotten outside.

“Oh shit, it's getting dark. We should really lock up,” You remove yourself behind the counter, putting your jacket on and grabbing the keys.

Meanwhile, Taeyong was still sitting there, watching you in awe. He’s never started liking someone within the same week of meeting them, yet you just had a grasp around his heart. After watching you get ready, he jumped off the counter leaving with you.

“I guess this is where we say goodbye till tomorrow,” You finish locking up, standing outside the doors with him.

“Would you mind if I walked you home? It can be really dangerous around this time, I wouldn’t want anything bad happening to you,” He stuffs his hands in his pockets nervously.

Safety.

Protection.

“I-I actually would really love the company,” Your smile gave Taeyong the confirmation that all he needed was you by his side right now.

The walk back to your apartment was probably the best memory you will ever cherish. You got to know Taeyong more, and he got to know a lot more about you as well.

Someone who you can create and cherish memories with.

The feeling you both got around each other was incredible. You thought you only read about these type of feelings in fiction. The type of fiction that becomes so popular that they turn into hit movies. The type of stories that leave you dreaming, or the type of poems that only a romantic could only relate to. This feeling was greater than any stanza, any sentence, any metaphor you could possibly create. He was a motivator, a listener. He was the balance you’ve been searching for. Someone who can dream with you and someone who gives your world the best chapters any story can ever have.

The way someone looks at you before realizing they’ll have to spend a second without you.

“I guess this is it,” your frown deepens when you realize you’re home.

The sparks when someone touches you.

Taeyong grabs your hands, inching closer to you. His eyes wander all over you; from your eyes, your nose and your lips. An obvious blush grows upon his pale face.

When one look can say a thousand words.

“Y/N… I don’t know if your story involves an amazing sidekick, but if you don’t mind… I would love to take you out one day. I would love to experience more with you, learn more about you, be apart of that story you picture…”

Knowing that one person can change everything about you any time, any place.

“What I’m trying to say is- what I’m trying to ask is, may I take you out on a date? Can I have a chance? I know from a lot of peoples perspective, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but if snooping was the biggest mistake I’ve made then it's certainly the best mistake I’ve ever experienced,” His facial expressions are forced into confidence, only deep down is filled with fear. Fearing more rejection.

Butterflies constantly fluttering in the pits of your stomach.

When was the last time you ever smiled this hard? When was the last time you decided to give anyone a chance? This was your life, your future and it’s time for you to start making changes. It’s time for you to open yourself up to more people, accepting these feelings you’ve been suppressing. This was your chance, and  Taeyong was your chance to grow, to love. So you accepted his offer, being the giddiest you have ever been in your life. This was your new chapter, and now things are becoming clearer.

With his excitement jolting through his body, he leans in close to you, planting a gentle yet longing kiss on your forehead. He pulls you in a hug, warming your body and importantly, warming your heart.

Late night exchanges.

This was just the start of building a better future, only you two wouldn’t be facing it alone anymore. Your thoughts then started to make sense to you, it was never about learning about love, it was about building it, experiencing it. That was the missing piece of your plot.

Before he could walk away, in hopes of it becoming the next day already, he turns around to stare once more.

His scent still attached to you, you wave your hand in the air, “just know this won’t get you off the hook, Lee Taeyong!”

“Whatever it takes to spend more time with you, Y/N!” He chuckles while walking away, off to a new beginning, a new chapter.

[ineverhadmyinternetphase]

And it’s all gonna be wonderful

AO3 Link

Genre: Oneshot, part of QPR verse, fluff

Summary: Fiction. Dan knows he and Phil are 'together'. There's no doubt in his mind about that. He's just... not quite sure how exactly to situate what they are, and especially not when something as stressful as Valentine's Day was coming up.

Warnings: literally just fluff

Word Count: 3899

A/N: Updating QPR verse finally :D I originally wanted to have this up for Valentine's Day itself, but life got in the way as ever so it's slightly late.

Thank you so much to @mecaka for being such a wonderful beta, as ever! And for interesting perspectives on ace people at Valentine's Day.

And finally, this is for my wonderful QPP @charlottekath, happy birthday my lovely, I know you've already read this but pretend to be surprised ok xD

Title from Tom Rosenthal's 'Going to be Wonderful'

Reminder that I don’t know Dan or Phil at all and I’m not suggesting this in any way reflects reality. This is a work of fiction

…

It was almost February 14th, and Dan was terrified.

The date shouldn’t mean anything, really, he’d had enough of trashy gifts and sappy songs from his teen years, three years with the girl who’d been more like a best friend than anything. His life was different now, had changed completely, and it wasn’t just down to his starting at uni. Much as that was a new thing in his life, the bigger change, Dan thought guiltily, was the presence of Phil.

Phil changed everything. Dan knew this, was worried by it more than anything. Sometimes he still got stuck in twisting thoughts, nights spent alone at halls where doubts about what he and Phil really were crept in.

The other times, the times with Phil, it didn’t matter at all. When they were curled up together, holding hands, or when he managed to squeeze himself between Phil’s legs with his back against Phil’s chest and Phil’s arms around him, Dan felt more safe and comfortable than he’d ever felt in his life. The ever-present worry that he’d have to do something more to deserve this happiness dissipated in the softness of Phil’s touch, in the lightness of his laugh. Sometimes, it was even enough to stop Dan’s thoughts from spiralling down into dark places he’d rather avoid.

But sometimes, real life kicked him in the teeth. Like the upcoming date.

February 14th.

Last year, it hadn’t mattered so much. There hadn’t really been much pressure – he and Phil weren’t living in the same city yet, had only really been ‘official’ (as much as they were) for a few months at best. Dan hadn’t even been in the country. He hadn’t planned anything for it, though the thought had crossed his mind, but Phil – Phil surprised him all over again by sending him the sweetest video, just kept between the two of them.

Dan remembered it with a fond smile on his face. It had cemented for him that whatever he and Phil had was good enough as it was, and he’d managed to stop worrying so much about putting a label on it. They just were, and that was enough.

But this year, something horrible had shifted in Dan’s gut, a twisting knot that had its origins in a casual conversation held earlier in the week.

Dan didn’t like his flatmates much. They were alright people, but after a gap year full of internet friends and international holidays he’d got used to being around people he didn’t have to hide his nerdier side from. Being stuck in uni halls with a bunch of people he’d never met and had little in common with was a shock back to reality that he wasn’t very much enjoying.

“You coming out on Monday?” Craig, one of the guys on his floor, asked in the kitchen one evening.

There was a group of them. Dan was tucked in the corner desperately trying not to set his pasta on fire this time, cooking himself a quick meal for a rare time that he wasn’t at Phil’s.

“Don’t think so,” Jessica answered with a shrug, “It’s Valentine’s Day, think Jason’s taking me out.”

“Ugh.” Craig made a face. “That means all the soppy couples will be busy, ugh.” He glanced around, sighing theatrically. “Alex, you won’t leave me, right?”

“Sorry, mate, got plans with my coursemates.”

“Ugh.” Craig’s eyes landed on Dan and he smirked. “Of course, you’ll be out with Mystery Older Man, won’t you?”

Dan grimaced, slipping when he nearly burned his hand on the hob.

“Oh yeah,” Alex chimed in, “You have to let us meet him eventually. He taking you out somewhere nice, sky bar again?”

“Bet he’s got something real fancy planned,” Craig agreed with a wicked tint to his eyes.

“No,” Dan managed eventually, shrinking in on himself. “Don’t think so, anyway. He’s going to London the day after, he’ll probably be busy packing.”

That was a lie. Phil was a messy, late packer, not quite as bad as Dan was but still not great. Dan had learned this from their many trips across the country the past year, as well as flying out with him to E3. But it was true that he was travelling down to London the day after Valentine’s Day, leaving Dan alone for a few days. Dan wasn’t sure what to make of the timing of the trip. It was a work thing, he knew, Phil was doing several interviews and shows outside of his Youtube channel right now, which was still so much more successful than Dan’s.

Yet another thing for Dan to feel insecure about.

“I doubt it,” Jessica snorted in response to Dan. “Mystery Older Man always seems to make time for you, I swear you live more at his place than here.”

Dan gave a nervous laugh in response. The statement was truer than he’d like to admit.

“If you don’t have any plans, he’s probably going to surprise you,” Craig added wisely, and then grimaced. “Probably with something drastic and super romantic, ugh, I’m going to be so alone.”

The others all chuckled, but Dan felt something sharp twisting in his gut.      

He escaped back to his room as fast as he could with a bowl of half-heated pasta and a sad, shop-bought sauce, and folded himself up in his desk chair to start watching the newest video clips Phil had sent him. The fanboy in him had mostly subsided over the past year of actually getting to know Phil, of realising that he was just as human as Dan and had annoying habits too like leaving his socks everywhere and grumbling at Dan for using almost all the body wash every time he was over, but part of Dan still curled up happily whenever Phil sent him clips to look over. It was like a spy into the world of amazingphil, which was something Dan still treasured, as much as he knew he was part of it now.

He ate his pasta and watched the clips and tried to ignore the twisting in his gut. But the worries continued running through his mind.

Craig didn’t know them, Dan knew this. There was a reason he was keeping Phil separate from his uni life at the moment. It was exhausting, being around a group of people and having to pretend to be something he wasn’t, he didn’t want to drag Phil into that too. Never mind that Dan wasn’t sure how he was supposed to act around Phil when there were other people with them. Would they be expected to kiss? Make out?

Dan grimaced at even the thought.

Would Craig and the others still think Phil was going to lavish him for Valentine’s Day if they knew that he and Phil had only kissed once, and then firmly decided never again?

Dan tried to push the thoughts away, too used to them to truly be bothered anymore. He knew what Phil would say – it doesn’t matter what they think, Dan, they don’t know us, and we know what we are. The difficulty was, Dan still felt like he didn’t really know what he was, actually. He had no doubts that he and Phil were together, but—but he still didn’t really know what to call it, and sometimes that bothered him.

Valentine’s Day was just adding to that worry. Dan bit his lip, trying to focus on the clip he was currently watching whilst simultaneously typing up a commentary to email back over to Phil. Would Phil really be planning to surprise him? Dan didn’t think so, but then, they’d never really talked about Valentine’s Day together, and Phil did have a habit of spoiling him with surprises (the sky bar on their first meeting, for one).

In the end, Dan just grabbed his phone and sent Phil a text. He’d learned, or was learning, that when his thoughts got too twisted and overrun, sharing them with Phil made him feel a little lighter.

Dan: hey you doing anything monday?

The reply came back pretty instantly, which made Dan smile, imagining Phil sitting in a pile of blankets in his bed on the other side of the city.

Phil: no are you suggesting something?

Dan: not necessarily

Phil: ?

Dan stared at the innocent-looking question mark for several seconds, biting his lip. Did Phil even know the date on Monday? Did he know it was the 14th, that Dan was freaking out over whether or not he should be doing something for Phil? Or that Phil was secretly planning something for him, and Dan had no idea how to react?

Letting out a long breath, Dan typed out a response.

Dan: nvm im being dumb

He didn’t want to type it out over text. Besides, his thoughts were far too muddled to even begin trying to string them into a sentence.

Dan settled back into the clips with a shake of his head, trying to kick his worry to the back of his mind. It helped when Phil replied quickly again.

Phil: k well can’t wait to see you again :D :D <3

Despite the slightly sour taste of anxiety, Dan still softened at the text. The string of emojis was very Phil, and Dan could almost hear the text in his voice. It was comforting. Dan relaxed a little and turned back to the clips with renewed gentleness.

Valentines’ Day was just a stupid holiday. Dan was being ridiculous worrying about it.

After that, Dan and Phil spent a couple of days at Bryony and Wirrow’s, and Dan still pinched himself to remind himself that yes, he was now friends with actual paperlilies. She was far more brash in real life than he’d expected, but over the summer he’d found he actually liked that about her. Never mind that she and Phil got along like a house on fire.

While there, Valentine’s Day wasn’t even brought up once, and Dan found himself forgetting about it.

But now, it was the day before, and Dan was freaking out all over again.

Even his phone reminder was dinging that it was Valentine’s Day tomorrow, and Phil still hadn’t mentioned anything. The idea that he might be planning something secretly plagued Dan’s mind. Did that mean he should be prepared? Should he be doing something back for Phil? Or was nothing going on at all, and Dan was just freaking out over nothing?

The logical thing to do would be to talk to Phil, but Dan had tried that earlier in the week with no success. Besides, if it was a surprise Phil was planning then he wouldn’t tell him anyway.

Dan worried his lower lip with his teeth, biting down viciously. He didn’t know what to do. He hated this indecision, this hanging on, worrying about something that might not even matter. Would he mind, if Phil had something planned? Would he mind more if Phil didn’t?

Dan considered that last thought, narrowing his eyes as he lay sprawled across his bed in halls. He’d been at Phil’s the day before, and was going back the day after – he’d only returned to his room to attempt some uni work (which Dan would much rather not think about). He thought about Monday morning rolling around and Phil not having anything special planned – Dan showing up at his flat and it just being another, normal day.

That would be alright, wouldn’t it?

Dan’s stomach tightened. A strange wave of regret washed over him – regret that Monday might roll around and nothing would happen. Sure, it was Valentine’s Day, a ridiculous holiday in most ways, and yet…

And yet, Dan still kind of wanted to celebrate it.

Not in the way everyone else did. Not with candles and overpriced presents and kisses, because yuck. But… but he still wanted to spoil Phil. And to have some kind of reassurance, some semblance of normality to their relationship. If they celebrated Valentine’s Day the same as any other couple, that would be a strange kind of validation that Dan was annoyed he still craved.

But what if Phil didn’t feel the same way?

Well, it wasn’t necessarily Phil that had to give the surprise.

Dan could just as easily surprise him, too.

Once he’d made that decision, Dan found himself surprisingly relaxing. Tension washed out of his muscles and he flopped back on his bed, head hanging off the end, blowing out a gusty sigh. He’d show Phil. He’d show Phil (and himself) that their relationship was just as valid as anyone else’s.

Except it was a fucking Sunday and Dan hadn’t got anything yet and the shops wouldn’t be open for much longer. With a yelp, he jumped to his feet, grabbed his bag and shoes and keys, and legged it out of the door.

---

Monday morning, Dan left his halls with his rucksack slung over his shoulder, nerves jumping in his belly and a shout from Craig that almost soured the whole thing.

“Good luck, Dan! Have fun with your boyfriend and try and at least get some sleep tonight in between banging him, yeah?”

This followed by a lecherous cackle as Craig disappeared into the kitchen.

Dan tried to force out a laugh back past the waves of nausea that flowed through him. Craig didn’t know him and Phil, he reminded himself. Dan didn’t have to listen to him.

If only that was easier to internalise.

He hopped on the bus across the city to Phil’s, avoiding eye contact with other people, his rucksack hanging precariously off one shoulder. He held onto the strap though, biting his lip. He really, desperately hoped that this wouldn’t all backfire on him, his stomach tightening at the thought. Phil’s reaction was completely unknown. Dan didn’t like walking into the unknown.

But, he knew, somewhere deep within himself, that he needed this.

The walk up to Phil’s apartment building was grossly familiar by now, so Dan didn’t even have to think as his feet led him straight to the door. His stomach, however, jumped more and more the closer he got.

Dan was being ridiculous. He’d been with Phil over a year. There was no need to fear rejection anymore, he knew that but… but he couldn’t quite make his mind realise that it didn’t need to be in a constant state of worry.

Dan pressed the buzzer with his heart in his mouth.

Phil, of course, buzzed him in straight away, only making some kind of cawing animal noise through the speaker. Dan shook his head, murmuring to himself. “One day you’re going to get overheard, Phil Lester, and someone in a white coat is going to arrive to take you away.”

He took the lift with the buzzing of nerves making his gut twist and actually took a few deep breaths to keep himself calm. There was absolutely no reason for him to be getting as worked up over this as he was, and yet something about this entire thing was setting him on edge. He still didn’t even really know if he was doing the right thing – but the only way to find out was to do it.

Dan had never been the best at being impulsive.

He knocked on Phil’s door, and spent the few seconds it took him to answer swallowing down the butterflies trying to escape his stomach.

The door swung open and Phil beamed at him, arms open, reaching out to drag him over the threshold. He was still in his pyjamas. “Hey! You’re early today, not that I’m complaining, but I haven’t had breakfast yet so you’re gonna have to wait for me to have that before you beat me at Mario Kart again.”

“Yeah, sure. That’s fine.” Dan’s voice was a bit stiff.

Phil noticed, giving him an odd look.

“It’s nothing,” Dan said quickly before he could ask. “Just. Look. Wait.”

“Stop, look, and listen?” Phil teased, but his expression was curious.

Dan twisted, sliding his rucksack off his back. The present within felt way heavier than it should do, laden with everything he was worried of attaching to it, and he almost hesitated.

But he was here now, wasn’t he, and Phil was looking at him with curious eyes.

Dan pursed his lips, drew in a breath, and bit the metaphorical bullet.

“Ok, so.” He stepped back, dropped his bag behind him, present gripped between his fingers. “This might be a totally bad idea. You can say no. Full disclosure, in fact, you probably want to say no so if you’d rather I just put this back away again--”

“Dan,” Phil interrupted him gently, “You’re rambling.”

“Oh.” Dan squeezed his hands behind his back, took in another slow breath. This was a bad idea. All his instincts were currently screaming at him to backpedal as fast as possible, but Phil was still looking at him with a distinctly curious, if slightly confused, look on his face, and Dan had always been powerless to giving Phil what he wanted. Phil did the same back, of course, but… still, Dan was weak.

“It isn’t much,” Dan said finally, and brought his hands around to the front to reveal a little teddy bear with holding a heart. “It isn’t even something you’d want, tbh. But everything in the shops is like this right now, and, well…”

He was interrupted by Phil making cooing noises and reaching out for the bear.

Dan stopped, blinking. Slowly, he held it out, and Phil took it off him with a soft, fond-looking smile.

Dan’s heart picked up a little in his chest.

“It’s adorable, Dan.” Phil’s eyes were still soft and heartwarming. Dan was melting a little. “And so soft! What’s it for, though?”

And all of a sudden Dan felt like a bucket of ice cold water was thrown over him again. He swallowed stiffly. This was a stupid idea, he should have known it.

Phil was clutching the bear to his chest a little possessively, though, so Dan couldn’t have fucked up too badly, right?

“It’s Valentine’s Day,” Dan finally managed to say around the lump in his throat.

“Oh.” Phil’s gaze snapped up to look at him, and Dan’s heart sunk to his feet.

“Sorry,” he croaked out to dodge Phil’s gaze. “Look, we didn’t talk about it and I don’t even know if it’s something we should do, like - it’s a stupid commercial holiday anyway, it’s honestly kind of gross, but everyone back at halls was talking about it and Craig kept going on about you--”

“Me?” Phil interrupted him again, and Dan chanced a glance up to find Phil was grinning. “Your cool older boyfriend, full of smooth lines and teller of the best jokes?”

“Fuck off,” Dan shot back, but something inside him loosened, especially when Phil laughed softly. “‘Course not. More like - they just assumed we’d be doing something? Only you hadn’t said anything, and I felt kind of weird about it anyway, but…”

He trailed off, and Phil didn’t fill the silence. Instead, he watched quietly while Dan gathered his thoughts.

Dan loved that about him, really he did.

“I don’t know,” Dan finally said quietly. “Valentine’s is supposed to be about celebrating the person most important to you, right? And you’re the most important to me, so.”

“Aww.” Phil hummed, glancing from Dan to the bear and then back to Dan. “That’s so thoughtful, Dan. Who knew that somewhere in there you could be sweet.”

“Fuck off.” Dan shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at the ground, feeling a little awkward. “I just. I don’t know, I wasn’t sure it would be… like, appropriate?”

“Appropriate?” Phil asked, tilting his head. “How so?”

“Like.” Dan paused for a moment, pursing his lips, and then went to sit on Phil’s (tiny) couch. “It’s Valentine’s. That’s all lovey-dovey mushy stuff, half of which we don’t even do anyway, plus it’s something that I always felt kind of obligated to do as a teenager - which was really just kind of awkward?”

“Well, I hope you didn’t feel obligated for me.” A crease appeared in Phil’s brow.

Dan shook his head, though. “No, not really. Not you. More just, like - everyone is celebrating their significant other and I don’t have one in the same way they do.”

“You calling me not good enough?” Phil joked, but paused when Dan’s face fell. He tilted his head. “Hey, Dan. I’m joking, you know that, right? What we have is just as good as what they all do.”

“It’s better,” Dan disagreed. “This way, I never have to kiss anyone ever again. That is such a relief, you have no idea.”

Phil laughed. The sound loosened up the lasting tension clutching at Dan, eased him up enough to let out a breath. Phil came and sat next to him on the sofa and Dan instantly leaned into him, resting his head against Phil’s shoulder and sighing happily when Phil wound an arm around his waist.

With his other hand, Phil settled the bear on Dan’s lap and made it give him a wave. “For the record, though, I like him. Valentine’s might not fit us perfectly but I’m still glad you thought of me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Makes me a bit bad for not getting you anything, though.”

“Don’t worry.” Dan closed his eyes, leaned into Phil’s chest. “You can take me out for fancy dinner to make up for it.”

“I spoil you.”

“You do,” Dan agreed, “it’s one of the reasons I even bother sticking around.”

Phil pinched his side, huffing, but Dan just swatted him away and leaned into him further. “Later. You can take me out later. Resting now.”

“Alright, you spoiled brat, let me at least grab my laptop.”

---

Later, Phil took him to a restaurant closer towards town. It was filled to the brim with other couples, holding hands and kissing and sharing sweet, soft looks. Dan held back for a moment by the doorway, sure that someone was going to look at him and Phil and call them fakers, call out their relationship out for being a facade when Dan knew it was the absolute opposite of that, the most genuine thing he’d felt in his life, even -

“Dan.” Phil caught his hand, gave it a squeeze. “You sure you want to do this?”

Dan looked at him, at his concerned expression, and then through the glass windows to the fancy restaurant full of all its fawning couples. He and Phil had a place with them, if they wanted it.

And Dan decided that, yes, for this day, he really did want it. Perhaps he shouldn’t need the validation, but sometimes he wanted to join in something that gave them equal status to other, more conventional couples. Because they were a couple. Over a year together had made him more sure of that than anything.

“Yeah,” he answered, interlocking his fingers with Phil’s. “Let’s go in, shall we?”

Phil held the door for him, like the gentleman that he was, and Dan’s smile grew. He was content.

[sweetnestor]

You Look Happier | Chapter 15

university au, teamiplier + jack

platonic/romance/angst/smut

previous chapter

hey i actually have a song for this chapter: Clean by Taylor Swift

“I am… so glad to be apart of the team,” I said in a stiff voice, a fake smile plastered on my face. I was facing the camera, but not looking directly into it. “I am honored to be… to be - I can’t read the card,” I added in a soft voice.

This was my “introduction” video to go on Mark’s channel. I was sitting in front of the camera that Ethan was holding, and I had to pretend like I was forced to read cue cards. But there weren’t any, and I had to improvise.

“I-I’m honored that Mark asked me to join,” I continued in that stiff, staged voice. “And-”

“No, no, no,” spoke the devil himself. “You begged me to join.”

“Right. I asked like, twelve times and they finally let me in!” I smiled in a way that screamed for help. You could say I was acting. “And I am… excited for all of you to see what I can contribute.” Awkwardly, I gave a thumbs up, my smile looking less and less convincing.

Then, Mark came and sat next to me. “Okay, okay. Honestly, though, Bella is one of us now, and I asked her to join. We’ve got some good stuff coming in the future. Also, we’re stranded in Boston!” He went on another tangent that was completely extra before finishing the video.

It was true, though. After PAX, our flight back to LA had been cancelled due to the blizzard. I wasn’t sure what was worse, being forced to be away from my home or the impending doom of having to get back on a plane. While I was able to function somewhat properly after a crying fit, I found myself wearing thin. I know, what else is new? That feeling was probably going to stick for a while, but I guess it’s apart of recovery.

We stayed at Amy’s friend’s house for the time being. At the moment, it was uncertain how long we would be here in Boston. Three days, possibly. I tried not to let that get to me. These things happen. They happen to everyone… except Signe, who got on her flight back to Denmark just before the blizzard hit. Jack would have gone with her, but it was still the middle of the semester. He did mention that they would be okay while he was still at uni, though.

Speaking of YouTube University, I wasn’t sure what my future was with that school. I mean, I was going to be on the road in a few months, on tour. I was going to have a hand in creating the show. I was going with them. It was safe to say none of us were returning to YouTube University in the fall. It felt weird to have future plans.

Since we had nothing else to do, we made a movie trailer. Mark, being Mark, got naked and sat outside in the snow. After all this time, I still didn't know what went on in his head sometimes, but you had to admit he was dedicated. It was fun, though. I got to contribute ideas… and hold the camera for most of the shots.

I also decided to properly look through my social media later at night. We all had to sleep in the living room of the small house, and it was the first time I had a moment of silence. I was stuck between Ethan and Amy, but they were both asleep already.

The same stalker photo of Ethan and I holding hands had been reposted many times. Added to that were professional photos from his signing. I was caught in the background in several of the fan photos, along with the selfies I took with some of them. The various captions are what made me smile, though.

“I met Bella at the signing!! She was so nice and she's so cute with ethan!!”

“THEY'RE SO CUTE OH MY GOD”

“Amyplier whomst? I only know ethella!”

“My new parents”

“I hope Ethan and Bella know we love and support them a whole lot :’)”

It was like a breath of fresh air. I was tempted to post that stalker picture on Instagram with the blue and sparkly heart emojis, but it was probably too soon for that. I knew some of my followers came from Ethan's community, yet I wasn't expecting them to be nice and supportive. It was a different reaction from my last relationship, that's for damn sure.

I let out an audible sigh, glancing at Ethan, who had already fallen asleep. I was still experiencing insomnia from being so far from home, so I sat up and tried to find more ways to keep myself busy.

“Can't sleep?” asked a quiet, deep voice.

I turned, finding Mark sitting on the couch. Last time I saw him, he was lying down next to his girlfriend.

“I won't sleep until we get home,” I replied as I locked my phone and shoved it under my pillow.

He nodded. “I still can't believe you actually came here. You got on a plane.”

“Yeah, and I had to resort to drinking in order to do it,” I told him as I crawled up onto the couch and sat next to him.

“You still did it, though,” he said. “You didn't back out of it. You accomplished a lot this weekend. You should be proud.”

I shrugged. “I guess I can't disagree.”

A silence fell over us, but it was comfortable. I had been alone with Mark plenty of times in my life. I hadn’t been alone with him in a room in a very long time, despite the fact that we had been around each other a lot lately. Well, even now we weren't exactly alone, but we were the only ones awake. Any other time, I would have gone to extreme lengths to avoid seeing him at all. But given the last couple of months or so, I was finding it easier to coexist with him. Here we were, sitting in the dark, with the other five asleep soundly around us. We knew this moment was inevitable, and while it was awkward, it was kind of liberating. As always, I wasn’t the one to start the conversation.

“Are you happy with him?” he asked quietly.

Moment of truth. Everything was already out in the open. Everyone knew about my suicide attempt, everyone knew about Mark’s plan to leave me before Amy came along, and everyone knew about me and Ethan. All that was left to do was tie up the loose ends.

“Are you happy with her?” I asked in response. It was bold of me to say that, and Mark knew it too.

He cracked a smile. “I asked you first.”

“Honestly? Yes,” I answered. “Actually, I think… I think this is the happiest I’ve ever been.”

Mark smiled wider. “That’s really good to hear. I’ve wanted to hear that since… I don’t know how long. You deserve to be happy.”

I couldn’t believe I was still fond of him after all this time. My heart swelled up at his words, but I didn’t want to dwell on myself for too long. “So what about you?”

“I’m absolutely the happiest I’ve ever been,” he said. “Not just with Amy - and she does make me very happy - it’s everything I’m doing. I finally feel like I’m doing something good, I don’t even have the words for it.”

“Good.” I was smiling so wide, it was hard to hide it.

“Do you still hate Amy?” It sounded lighthearted, but I took it seriously.

“I never hated her. All the anger and resentment was directed at you, no offense. I mean, it was hard. I won’t lie, that was the most devastating breakup I’ve ever had. And, I think there’s always going to be a part of me that will see her as the girl you left me for. But, for the most part, I’m over it, and I’m glad you two are happy.”

Mark nodded, sitting back against the sofa. “Fair enough…” Then he sighed and brought his knees up to hug them. “I just… I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for leaving you like that, and for driving you to that point.”

I reached over and placed my hand over his. “Hey. You didn’t know I was going to do that. No one saw that coming. You did what you had to do in order to be happy. What I did, that’s all on me. And look at me, I’m still here and I’m happy, and I’m telling you to move on from that. There’s bigger things going on now. It’s okay.”

“Bella, if I had lost you…”

“But you didn’t. You can’t put the whole blame on yourself. It’s just something that happened. I had it coming, anyway. With or without you. But it's in the past now.”

He nodded. “I know. I’m glad you’re still here. I’m glad that we can still be friends.”

That brought another thought to mind. “I think… I believe that people come and go into our lives for a reason. I think we’re meant to be in each other’s lives, whether we’re lovers, exes, or friends. And if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have met Jack, and then I wouldn’t have found Ethan. I wouldn’t be here talking to you now, and realizing just how important you are to me. You've brought good things into my life.”

Mark was smiling, and he squeezed my hand.

“And I think you were meant to find Amy,” I continued. “Whether I was mentally stable or not, she was meant to come along. I know plenty of things have contributed to your happiness now, but I know she’s done way more for you than I ever could have.”

“That’s what I think about you and Ethan,” Mark told me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile this much. He's got you getting on planes and going to signings and panels… It's incredible.”

“I made those decisions, not him,” I reminded him.

“Right, of course,” Mark said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you… without anxiety, either.”

“Yeah… I think anxiety is always going to be apart of me. And… I think I’m trying to be okay with it. Like, a bunch of shit happened and the effects of all of that is my anxiety disorder. But I’m trying not to hate it as much, because I’m stuck with it for life.”

“So you might as well work with it,” he finished for me. “That’s good. You know I’ll be here to support you through all of that, right? Despite everything that’s happened between us, I still care about you so much.”

“I care about you too.”

“And you’re actually happy with Ethan?”

“Yes. I don’t even have the words for it.”

I looked over at the guy sleeping beside me. All of these emotions surged in my chest. Here I was, in good terms with my ex, and having a happy relationship with my new boyfriend. My anxiety was at an all time low, something I never thought I would feel. I had people I could call my family.

We heard Tyler groan in his sleep, mumbling something about keeping it down. Mark and I smiled at each other, and we knew there was nothing left to say.

_____

stay tuned for a thank you post following this chapter :)

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